Qa Lab Tech Lead

Established in 1973, Cacique® has affirmed itself as America's leader in Hispanic perishables. Our product offerings span from fresh cheeses, table creams, and processed cheese to cured meats and drinkable yogurts. Our company has a leadership position amongst the Hispanic population nationwide and enjoys a steady path of growth. We are a very dedicated and competitive family owned company which offers an excellent environment in which to thrive and grow.

Cacique looks to hire future teammates who embody Cacique's Four Pillars: Family, Quality, Integrity and Authenticity. These four Pillars are the values that have been the foundation of Cacique's success since its inception in 1973. Our work culture embraces people who are innovative, resourceful, determined, catalysts of change and champions of our values.

We are currently looking for a passionate individual to become our next Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician Lead who embody our values and is looking to join America’s leader in Hispanic perishables. A Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician Lead assists laboratory personnel in training, chemistry and micro tasks and sample preparation. Inspect manufacturing and production areas to ensure GMP compliance. In addition, the role will be involved in identifying root cause of any process or product issues, as well as driving resolution through the organization to achieve the highest level of product quality. Oversee technicians for the timely assay of routine microbiological and chemical testing of raw materials and finished products, utilizing current GMPs, SOPs, and laboratory instrumentation to ensure the quality and safety of all product. Be proactive in reporting events to immediate supervisors.

At Cacique eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance and short term disability.  As well as vacation, sick, holiday pay, birthday day off, 401k with company match, and more!

DUTIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNTIONS

• Assist management with providing task assignment, SOP and GMP training and guidance, on the job training.
• Assist management with approval or rejection of batch lots.
• Review of documentation – test results for components and QA inspection documentation to assure material meets specifications. Ensures errors or omissions are resolved according to GDP.
• Assist with document control systems and training with QA staff on new and relevant changes.
• Assist management with disposition of products and release or reject as appropriate.
• Assist management in conducting formal procedural inquiries and investigations to determine the cause of quality problems, recommend verbal and/or written corrective action to management as required.
• Review documentation and identify trends; provide detailed written observations to management as appropriate.
• Interact effectively with co-workers, management and other departments in order to resolve problems.
• Assist management with development of departmental goals and objectives. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
• Leads by example (strong work ethic) and fosters an environment of trust and respect.
• Interacts in an effective and positive manner.
• Provides hands-on support, assigns daily tasks, monitors output, and communicates changes to the team. Informs supervisor of production and labor requirements.
• Assigns and monitors employee rest and meal breaks; covers accordingly.
• Identifies employee training needs and follows through to accomplish the desired results.
• Ensures employees use proper protective equipment and have a safe work environment.
• Enforces company policies, practices, and safety programs; advises supervisor of policy infractions.
• Provides timely feedback to employees on a daily basis and informs supervisor of team/individual performance.
• Brings suggestions for facility, equipment, and process improvements to the attention of the supervisor.
• Troubleshoots and resolves equipment/procedural issues and informs supervisor of faulty equipment.
• Ensures all employees have the proper tools and equipment to successfully carry out assignment.
• Ensures team communicates in a clear and effective manner during turnover and throughout the day for smooth workflow.
• Perform microbiological tests using Petri-films, BAX instruments and standard methods. Tests include spoilage organisms such as Coliform, yeast and mold, Standard plate count.
• Perform Chemical analysis such as moisture, salt, pH and fat to support the in-process production.
• Safely and aseptically make media agar and solutions.
• Perform environmental swabbing during weekdays and weekends.
• Perform environmental yeast and mold air plating.
• Calibrate analytical lab instruments according to the schedules.
• Routinely check the pH of aged cheese (weekly) and coordinate with Warehouse for proper storage.
• Perform quality line audits and record each finding on corresponding forms. These include, but are not limited to weight integrity and temperature.
• Monitor processing during production and notify operators and/or supervisor for any deviations.
• Keep laboratory conditions clean and organized at all times.
• Keep accurate and legible laboratory records.
• Work with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for result database.
• Support projects as requested by Supervisors or other Management staff.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures
• Comply with attendance policies. Be willing to work different shifts and overtime as required.

“Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time.”

KNOWLEDGE:

• Lab safety and handling of hazardous materials
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Good Documentation Practices (GDPs)
• HACCP
• Proficient with MS Office Professional Suite
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills (oral and written in English) and ability to work independently.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry or related science.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years microbiological and chemical analysis experience in the food or dairy industry.
• Internal auditing experience

Preferred:

• Dairy industry experience