Quality Technician

ASR Group is the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of more than 6 million tons of sugar. The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group owns and operates six sugar refineries, located in Louisiana, New York, California, Maryland, Canada and Mexico. In the European Union, the company owns and operates sugar refineries in England, Portugal.  ASR Group also owns and operates mills in Mexico and Belize.  The company’s brand portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s® and Sidul®.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

ASR Group’s companies have more than 150 years of experience taking sugar cane from the field to the table.  Our expertise in every aspect of the cane sugar process is without equal.  We are the largest vertically integrated cane sugar refiner in the world.  Our nine refineries are found in five countries across the globe and collectively can produce more than six million tonnes of sugar.  We also own and operate sugar mills in the United States, Mexico, and Belize.  As an expert in raw sugar procurement, our reach spans more than 40 countries and our network of partners and suppliers has never been stronger.  Our brands are leaders in their respective markets.  We sell our branded and private label sugars, sweeteners and syrups in the grocery, food service, industrial, and pharmaceutical channels in the Americas, Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Asia. Over the last several years, the company has made investments to accelerate growth by providing innovation to marketplaces across geographies that extend beyond the traditional sugar market.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Quality Technologist is primarily responsible for managing elements of SQF certification and Quality and Food Safety systems including document and record control, CAPA, and providing routine updates on the site’s Quality and Food Safety performance.   This role works closely with the site’s Quality Systems Coordinator.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer the document control and record control programs including routine reporting of the KPIs for the program
• Support the site in maintaining SQF Certification
• Administer the CAPA Program including routine reporting of the KPIs for the program
• Investigate consumer complaints and provide insights on trends related to consumer complaint data
• Lead cross-functional Food Safety team including regular meetings with the Food Safety team to exchange information and discuss new procedures or equipment related to food safety
• Implement procedures to support quality and food safety systems
• Deliver training and orientation materials and maintain records associated with the program
• Interact with ASR corporate staff on the systems used for document control, complaints, and CAPA
• Interact with Supplier Quality to update site documentation related to new suppliers and new ingredients
• Lead the GMP Inspection and Calibration Programs
• Interact with the Site Pest Control Operator
• Provide effective communication regarding issues, objectives, initiatives, and performance to plan via Management Review and Metrics Reporting
• Practices and promotes GMPs and plant safety procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited college/university or equivalent experience
• At least 1-3 years of applicable professional experience working with quality & food safety systems
• At least 2 years working in a manufacturing environment
• HACCP and related food safety training with experience in the development and maintenance of HACCP Plans
• SQF or other related GFSI benchmarked standard training/certification
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance/Control practices and procedures
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written in English

PREFERRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in a related field of discipline from an accredited college university
• Experience working as a SQF practitioner
• Experience leading an internal audit team
• Experience using laboratory equipment to perform testing and analysis

Physical Requirements

• The position will work in both an office and manufacturing work environment.
• Potential confined space entry to conduct audits/investigations
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders
• Must be able to work in unregulated temperatures for periods of time

TRAVEL

• 5% travel

GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE

• Chalmette

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES & CRITICAL SKILLS

• Ability to analyze complex information and perform root cause analysis
• Ability to recognize areas for Continuous Improvement strategies; recommend and implement CI strategies as assigned
• Ability to utilize ERP information and analyze results
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of proprietary business information at all times
• Ability to effectively manage time, including the ability to prioritize, work within assigned deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively to accomplish organizational objectives
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining quality & accuracy standards
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook on an Advanced Level
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing, fostering strong lines of communication across the business
• Ability to troubleshoot quality issues on dry packaging lines
• Quality Management
• Risk Management
• Planning & Scheduling
• Problem-Solving
• Analytical Thinking

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Managing Complexity- Keeping focused on key objectives and results when addressing the details of a situation. Making timely decisions using available facts in ambiguous situations.
• Change Management- Challenges the status quo; encourages people to question existing methods, practices, and assumptions. Responds positively and enthusiastically to novel ideas and suggestions; supports people in their efforts to try new things; seeks ways to implement new ideas. Coordinated, structured period of transition from one situation to another in order to achieve sustainable positive outcomes.
• Regulatory Matters- Demonstrates understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for area of responsibility, which will include the countries in which the product is both made and sold.
• Working with Ambiguity- Achieves forward progress in the face of poorly defined situations and/or unclear goals; able to work effectively with limited or partial information.
• Accountability: Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his/her actions and their consequences both good and bad.
• Credibility - Adheres to a set of core values that are represented in decisions and actions. Does the right thing, even when it is difficult. Demonstrates technical proficiency, reliable customer service, and delivery of results in supporting clients; speaks with authority and is respected by others; maintains objectivity in dealing with issues. Removes/ minimizes bias from decisions.
• Quality Management- Knowledge and application of food industry quality systems;  Knowledge and application of procedures required for testing food quality.
• Acting with Integrity: Clearly states goals and beliefs; lets people know his/her true intentions; does what he she said they would do; follows through on commitments; Understands and follows company policies
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Expresses ideas and information clearly and concisely; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling to the listener
• Energy & Initiative: Takes action on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked; asserts one's influence over events to achieve goals
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Bases decisions on a systematic review of relevant facts and information; avoids making assumptions or rushing to judgment; provides clear rationale for decisions
• Customer Orientation – Addressing internal and/or external customer needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high-quality service and support

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.