Quality Team Lead

At Winland Foods, quality isn't just part of the process-it's who we are. Guided by our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, our Food Quality Team Members ensure that every product we make is safe, consistent, and worthy of the trust our consumers place in us.

As a Food Quality Team Member, you will be on the front line of protecting our standards and reputation. From performing critical inspections to supporting continuous improvement initiatives, you'll play a hands-on role in making sure every product reflects our commitment to excellence. You'll collaborate closely with production and sanitation teams, using your attention to detail and integrity to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and Winland's high expectations.

This role is more than checking boxes-it's about leading with care, protecting consumer well-being, and ensuring every bite of our food delivers on Winland's promise of quality and consistency.

Employee Type : Full time

Location : AZ Tolleson

Job Type : Production Group

Job Posting Title : Quality Team Lead

Job Description :

Schedule : 6 : 00am-2 : 30pm 1st shift, flexibility as needed

Work Location : 495 S 99th Ave, Tolleson, AZ

Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD / LTD / AD&D / Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications : $29.55 per hour

Additional Perks :

$1,000 sign on bonus ($500 once 90 days completed, $500 once 12 months completed)

Quarterly hour bonuses

Free Pasta!!!

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance :

Perform daily inspections, environmental swabbing, and product inspections.

Verify compliance with established standards

Perform daily inspections, preventive maintenance on Quality equipment.

Conduct internal audits.

Oversee daily quality processes and troubleshoot operational issues.

Optimize workflows to ensure efficiency and minimize downtime.

Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management :

Conduct and oversee tasks like sensory testing, label verification, and analytical testing to ensure product attributes are correct.

Understand and follow plant policies for placing materials on hold and collecting retention samples.

Assist with inventory control for approved suppliers following FIFO practices.

Help with customer sample requests and microbiological testing for shipping requirements.

Communicate quality results to other teams within the plant.

Advise production teams in re-alignment when product is out of specifications.

Manage programs related to traceability and warehouse systems.

Provide back-up support in the department lead's absence.

Ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, and safety regulations in all plant activities.

Reconcile discrepancies through SAP and physical verification.

Manage product rework programs and the QA Hold log in the SAP system.

Oversee special inspections for incoming materials, end-of-run products and new product trials

Lead investigations and resolutions for quality issues, customer complaints and foreign material investigations.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance :

Lead facility inspections and assist with a variety of quality checks and audits.

Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.

Participate in internal auditing.

Assist in leading internal audits.

Lead FSQ compliance in assigned area.

Act as a subject matter expert and mentor for team on food safety and enforce sanitation accountability.

Train employees in food safety protocols and enforce sanitation procedures.

Maintain accurate records of safety audits and compliance reports.

Uphold company policies and regulatory standards in all operational activities.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training :

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and investigate customer complaints

Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.

Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training.

Assist with SOP development and training.

Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration.

Coordinate team activities, assign tasks, lead shift meetings, and train others in advanced operations.

Guide and motivate team members to meet goals while maintaining morale.

Train employees on operational procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols.

Lead teams for GFSI and other 3rd party audit programs.

Collaborate with R&D during production trials and first production runs.

Foster a positive, productive work environment and coach team members on WE systems.

Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments.

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement :

Manage specialized quality programs and documentation, using technical skills in systems like SAP and other quality management software.

Prepare accurate written documentation.

Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.

Ensure precision in recording and reporting test results.

Support plant trials, process improvements, and cost savings projects.

Participate in 5S efforts.

Assist in reviewing quality paperwork and document control programs.

Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues.

Act as 5S champion for area.

Lead improvement projects, perform operator-based maintenance, and analyze variance causes.

Maintain accuracy when reviewing preformed test results and verify or update formulations.

Update and maintain quality assurance specifications and procedural manuals.

Participate in ongoing decisions regarding study designs, data collection, and data analysis.

Manage SAP transactions, maintain accurate production logs, and complete compliance documentation.

Drive cost-saving and process improvement initiatives.

Facilitate clear and timely communication across shifts and departments to align goals.

Monitor Sanitation performance, address issues proactively, and provide detailed updates to management.

Knowledge, Training and Experience :

Education & Experience :

High School Diploma or GED required. Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Food Science are preferred.

Minimum 1 year of work experience in manufacturing or food production.

18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills :

Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes.

Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities.

Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.

Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.

Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Safety & Compliance :

Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.

Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand / walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed.

Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand / arm movement.

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership :

Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a proactive, team-oriented mindset.

Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels).

Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision.

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic :

Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed.

Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands :

Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.

Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20 / 20 corrected vision.

Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.

Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.

Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out / tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.

Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned

Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

EEO Statement :

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Winland Foods is a leading private label food manufacturer of pasta, dry dinners, condiments, syrups, and more with nearly 3,000 employees operating out of 14 production facilities in US, Canada, and Italy.

As a 'newly' established company, we are creating the building blocks for an innovative and agile organization that is purpose driven - delivering high quality food to our customers and communities. We foster an environment that encourages all employees to be heard, and values their contributions and ideas.

By joining Winland Foods, you become a part of a new team that values passion, collaboration, and strives to prosper with our customers.

To all recruitment agencies : Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes / CVs. Please do not forward resumes / CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes / CVs.