Quality Lab Foreman

Purpose:

The Quality Assurance Lab Foreman is responsible for overseeing and coordinating in-process and finished product quality testing, maintaining accurate and complete records, maintaining lab tracking databases, providing lab technician training and supervision in conjunction with QA management, providing vacation coverage and alerting management to any potential quality issues.

Essential Responsibilities:

• All plant personnel have the responsibility to monitor and report any deviations from our Food Safety and Food Quality (HACCP & SQF) programs to your immediate supervisor.
• Oversee and coordinate daily in-process and finished product quality microbiological and chemical testing.
• Responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of laboratory instruments.
• Provide lab technician training and oversight for daily lab practices and procedures.
• Provide supervisory coverage in the absence of QA Management.
• Review daily laboratory and processing paperwork, ensure complete and accurate records, and communicate any potential quality issues to Quality Supervisor and Manager.
• Maintain and organize daily laboratory and processing paperwork and file appropriately.
• Perform data entry as needed, maintain quality tracking databases and communicate summary reports to QA Management.
• Perform weekly lab supply inventories and order supplies as needed under the direction of QA Management.
• Provide leadership in maintaining Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Laboratory Practices and Safety Procedures throughout the plant.
• SQF Support – Responsible for development, training, implementation, and compliance to the SQF program.

Other Required Responsibilities:

• Laboratory testing result data entry.
• Member of HACCP Team.
• Provide lab vacation relief as required.
• Other quality department responsibilities as deemed necessary.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Manufacturing, Food Science, Microbiology or related field preferred.
• Experience in dairy laboratory testing procedures preferred. Previous Lead or Supervisory experience a plus.
• Proficient in computer spreadsheet and word-processing programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and able to interpret and manipulate information generated.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing methods.
• Detail oriented and team member with a strong, honest work ethic and an ability to handle multiple tasks daily.
• Ability to effectively interact with and provide instruction to QA laboratory and plant employees.
• Ability to write procedures and perform sound document management practices.
• Self-motivated and a self-starter.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to sit for extended periods of time; Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time; Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel or crawl; reach grasp and lift up to 25lbs regularly and up to 50lbs occasionally.