Quality Assurance Specialist - Indianola, Ia

Quality Assurance Specialist - Indianola, IA
This is a exempt level position.
 
Job Summary:
The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for quality, food safety and verification of conformance to regulatory requirements in support of plant operations.  This position will offer support to production in making quality decisions, investigating non-conforming product and providing oversight during process upsets.    
Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain the SQF code at the facility and continuously improve the programs associated with the SQF code.
• Routinely conduct GMP, Food Safety Plan / HACCP, and GFSI (SQF) compliance inspections.
• Perform verification checks and assessments related to process function, sanitation, procedural practices, personnel performance, and product quality.
• Track Quality KPIs and update the appropriate KPI trackers/portals/logs.
• Document and implement corrective and preventative actions on quality and food safety events that may occur at the plant. This includes customer complaints.
• Interface with facility management on findings and corrective actions.
• Conduct microbiological swabbing for environmental monitoring, monitor and report results.
• Conduct for-cause investigations, determining root cause of issues.
• Provide guidance on sanitation methodology, and cleaning tool and chemical usage.
• Perform the ordering, approval, and receipt of supplies and services related to quality and sanitation.
• Lead the sanitation team.
• Collaborate with the pest control provider to ensure the implementation of an effective pest control program.
• Conduct pre-operation inspection of equipment that has undergone maintenance and/or sanitation.
• Verify food safety related calibration and preventive maintenance activities.
• Assist facility management in assessing process deviations, related impact, and response.
• Assist with creating standard operating procedures and work instructions with food safety implications. 

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related Science field or 3 years prior Quality Control / Assurance experience.
• SQF, or other GFSI, quality code experience preferred.
• Focus on food safety and customer needs in all aspects of work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and food safety requirements.
• Good problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Computer skills; Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Working Conditions:

• Employees in this position working at this location are [or may be] exposed to various potential chemical and food allergens due to the nature of our business and the requirements of the job. 
• If there is any reason such exposure would interfere with your ability to perform this role or work at the location, please notify the hiring manager. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Lifting or carrying of weights over fifty (50) pounds is rare; employees are encouraged to request assistance in lifting or carrying objects that weigh more than fifty (50) pounds.

Before applying for an exempt, non-exempt or hourly job opportunity, you are expected to initiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor.  * If you've been in your current position for more than 18 months, supervisor approval is not required.  * If you've been in your current position for less than 18 months, verbal supervisor approval is required.   
Hiring Manager-  Cody Higgins 
Recruiter- Nitha George