Quality Assurance Product Inspector (Produce)

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Markets, Gourmet Garage®, and Di Bruno Bros® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices.

Your contribution

The Product Inspector position is responsible for performing routine and thorough inspections of all inbound perishable foods to ensure the quality, wholesomeness, proper labeling, and fair packaging in adherence to the Wakefern standards. The Product Inspector will be expected to exhibit first-hand knowledge of Wakefern’s Food Safety and Quality Practices along with USDA and FDA Guidelines. Additional job functions noted below.

What you will do

• Inspects all inbound deliveries to ensure the purchased goods conform to all established product specifications, standards, and grade requirements. This applies the Drive for Results competency.
• Performs random organoleptic inspections of inbound goods to assure the quality, grade, and wholesomeness of the product.
• Inspects all inbound deliveries for cleanliness and soundness of the transportation vehicle and the absence of cross contamination.
• Monitors product temperatures by means of physical probing of goods and observation of time and temperature recording devices.
• Verifies the weights and counts of received goods.
• Examines all packaging for proper labeling and enforces all packaging and labeling requirements of the FDA, USDA, and USDC.
• Monitors products in inventory and storage for quality and safety.
• Performs daily sanitation inspections of all applicable facilities and warehouses.
• Gathers and organizes all records and documentation to comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Monitors all control points, critical control points, and quality control points for each of the food safety and food quality plans for the applicable perishable food facilities.
• Monitors store returns to determine if credit is warranted and direct operations as to the disposition of the returned goods.

Core Competencies

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

What we're looking for

• Four year College degree preferred, or presently enrolled with a minimum of 60 credits, or a minimum of 3 years equivalent work related experience.
• Knowledge of USDA, AMS Grade Standards and inspection procedures, impacting the Drive for Results competency.
• Knowledge and understanding of FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food requirements, applying the Stay Competitive competency.
• Understanding and ability to monitor Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures.
• Must be able to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to interact well with Supervision as well as Affiliated Warehouse Associates, applying the Build Relationships competency.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management and vendor representatives.
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills.
• Skilled in WMS, Rapid, Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Flexibility with regards to work schedule including days of the week, shifts, holidays, and locations. (Hours/Shifts Vary 1:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

How you'll work

• Ability to perform heavy lifting (up to 70 lbs.).
• Ability to walk the length of the warehouse multiple times throughout the day (back and forth from the docks).
• Physical demands include the ability to bend, stretch, extend, tug and pull based on inspection of various products
• Ability to work in cold temperatures as low as 33 degrees.

Company Perks

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement