Quality Assurance Specialist

JOB OVERVIEW:
The Quality Control Specialist will be responsible for supporting aspects of the quality programs for the Concentrate Plant. The QC Specialist will collaborate with the R&D Team on new product initiatives and existing product specification changes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Establish product quality documentation system by writing and updating quality assurance procedures.
Collaborate with production planning and scheduling for concentrate products manufacture.
Maintain product quality by enforcing quality assurance policies and procedures and government requirements
Support the quality assurance activities for the concentrate plant, to include microbiology, sanitation, finished product analysis, package integrity testing, HACCP/GMP, and process control.
Investigate reports and formulates corrective action plans on plant specific consumer complaints.
Support plant audits for housekeeping programs and coordinate improvement activities to management
Maintain all relevant paperwork and budgetary demands.
Assist in Sensory Evaluations.
Provide support to Central Lab occasionally.
Independently perform all assignments after being given general instructions as to the results expected.
Take the lead and initiates resolution of technical, unusual or complex problems or issues.
Conducts thorough investigations to identify and eliminate the root cause of quality or production scheduling problems.
Responsible for assisting the facilities in instilling the "Best Manufacturing Practices".
Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common information, reports and other documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or company representatives. Ability to effectively present information to management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand for long periods of time, sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel, sit for long periods of time, stand frequently, bend, squat, reach and turn to access files and office equipment. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Field positions will be exposed to various unfamiliar conditions where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn and which may include, but are not limited to manufacturing and warehouse plants, and other venues as directed by supervisor. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but increases significantly in warehouse and manufacturing plants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Bachelor's degree required in food science or appropriate equivalent from an accredited university.
Hands-on work experience in a related industry. Beverage industry preferred.
Experience in quality control testing procedures
Understand all aspects of sanitation within manufacturing, including blending, product testing, sensory evaluation, recordkeeping, yields and computer programs in order to generate reports and record data.
Strong analytical skills. Organized and reliable.
Knowledge of Microsoft Access.
Experience with hazmat testing (flashpoint-corrosive) to comply with DOT standards preferred.
PCQI trained preferred.
Understand and can implement all OSHA required training.