After driving creativity and taste in the food service industry for almost 100 years, we know it's all about the people. We are committed to doing great work and, at the same time, being a great place to work. Do you want to work at a place where you can grow and thrive? Then, come and work at a company dedicated to embracing diversity, making merit-based employment decisions, and treating others with respect. We don't see ILLES Foods as "just a job." We see it as a positive, inclusive, and safe environment where we are all valued and heard.
POSITION: FSQR Supplier Quality Associate I
DEPARTMENT: Food Safety Quality & Regulatory (FSQR)
REPORTS TO: FSQR Compliance Manager
FLSA: Full Time, Non-Exempt (hourly), Permanent, On-site
Join us to enjoy 120 hours of PTO a year 9 Holidays for 2024 Volunteer Time off Mental Health Day leadership development opportunities great health benefits matching 401K company-wide PROFIT SHARING! We also meet your PPE needs - even your own personal safety shoes!
The FSQR Supplier Associate I is responsible for inspecting incoming raw materials and packaging materials at receipt. The primary role of the FSQA Supplier Associate I is ensuring food safety, legality, and quality standards are always maintained for the raw materials and packaging materials at receipt through Trace Gains Supplier Database and Ross ERP software systems before release for use in production. The role requires maintaining a flexible schedule as this position will provide vacation and call-in relief to 1st and 2nd shift FSQR Lab Technicians at both liquid and dry production facilities. Partner conducts themselves in a manner that is aligned with Illes Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manages receiving activities pertinent to Food Safety and Quality.
  • Incoming ingredient and packaging inspection against strong quality and food safety standards.
  • Verification of approved vendors through TraceGains Supplier Database. o Reviews certification of analysis (COA) for acceptance and completeness.
  • Review any out-of-specification COA and investigate the issue. Report true out-of-spec deficiencies to management.
  • Communicate with vendors for missing COAs.
  • Pulls samples in accordance with the receiving program and conducts appropriate analysis to ensure compliance with established specifications. After approval, release incoming ingredients and packaging material.
• Manages the set-up and ongoing maintenance of Trace gains for ingredients, packaging, and vendors, including, but not limited to, COA mapping and setting up ingredient attributes.
• Daily completion of warehouse inspection and bug counts.
• Initiates supplier non-conformances and freight alerts.
• Timely communication with other departments related to receiving activities may be needed.
• If needed, assist in collecting item-level and supplier-level documents in collaboration with other team members of the Supplier Quality team and suppliers.
• Assists in the aged inventory management process in collaboration with other team members of the Supplier Quality team, if needed.
• Writes and assists in writing procedures for the Supplier Quality Team.
• Laboratory technician duties when on vacation relief for 1st and 2nd shifts:
  • Conducts all analytical and organoleptic tests applicable to each product.
  • Performs data entry of all results and creates COAs as required.
  • Conducts calibration on all equipment as required.
  • Carries out all environmental sampling.
  • Collects all finished product samples for internal and third-party testing.
  • Performs pre-operational inspections as needed.
  • Performs line checks during production.
• Perform other tasks and projects as assigned by FSQR Management.
• Maintain appropriate and professional written and verbal communication.
• Regular attendance for scheduled shifts is a requirement for this position.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities such as professional publications, seminars/webinars, or professional organizations.
• Ensure that food safety, legality, integrity, and quality standards are maintained at all time

Minimum Job Requirements:
EDUCATION
Associates degree with relevant Quality experience, Food Science or other related degree preferred.
EXPERIENCE
Minimum 1 year experience in food manufacturing is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS •Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. •Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. •Adherence to policy, procedure, and attendance requirements •Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. •Computer experience- including advanced Microsoft Office skills, SharePoint, etc. •Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. •Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. •Flexibility - Able to handle pressure and change •Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. •Read, speak, and write fluent English •Teamwork -work closely with all departments in a professional, cooperative manner. •Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others. •Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. •Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. JOB DESCRIPTION •Adherence to policy, procedure, and attendance requirements •Must be in possession of a valid driver's license. •Read, speak, and write fluent English •Able to achieve certifications as needed in BRC, Food Safety, HACCP, etc.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Taste, smell, and see well enough to discriminate quality and quantity aspects of individual flavor and seasoning components of food products and ingredients. Physically able to lift 50 lbs. occasionally. See well enough to read pertinent documents (hard copy as well as computer screen data and reports). Ability to hear directions in a noisy environment. Effective communication with all contacts, both orally and in writing. Ability to legally and safely drive a vehicle in performance of the position requirements.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an all-inclusive or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some job requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. NEW OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, AS APPLICABLE, IS ON AN "AT-WILL" BASIS