Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.

The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision supports a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Quality Control Supervisor oversees and monitors the inspection of materials, parts, and products to ensure adherence to established quality standards. Follows inspection protocols, defines sampling procedures, helps train other technicians, and helps in areas where we are short staffed. Helps in the changes and improvements of SOPs and recommends changes in specifications where they see fit. Typically, will report to the Quality Control Manager and ultimately Director of the Quality department. Working team member that may validate or coordinate the work of others on a support team. Suggests improvements to process, is a knowledge resource for other team members. Has no authority for staff actions. Minimum of 2 years of experience in the department. Has thorough knowledge of the team processes. Actively works on QC Hold processes and brings attention to issues that need correcting. Will also serve in the laboratory daily depending on the need.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze nearly finished product samples daily for quality, durability, safety and known product specifications before the final stage of production.
• Evaluate the materials routinely used during production, the work environment and components during production by running specific tests of quality.
• Seek answers and information regarding customer or in-house problems with product quality or performance by investigating all parts of the production process.
• Document quality assurance practices by entering data into logbooks, noting information in computer databases and recording all inventory and actions.
• Ensure that during all parts of the production schedule that the product meets all guidelines related to federal, state and local regulations that pertain to the industry.
• Communicate with management and other team members when problems arise and offer possible solutions to help correct any mistakes during manufacturing.
• Assess quality assurance strategies periodically to determine best practices and improvements that could lead to fewer problems and interruptions in the production schedule.
• Work with the leads and quality control assistant supervisors.
• Work in the laboratory as necessary for aflatoxin and paperwork needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership: Ability to lead and encourage team by inspiring and guiding toward goal achievement.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills as well as ability to make presentations.
• Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build relationships with co-workers and outside colleagues.
• Detail-oriented: Attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Organized: Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• People Development: Ability to develop and coach team and identify their opportunities and strengths.
• Continuous Improvement: Active participant in continuous improvement initiatives and goals. Seeks opportunities to improve self and processes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BS Degree preferably in Biological Sciences, Food Science or related field preferred.

• Three (3) to five (5) years experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Computer Proficiency in MS Office.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand for periods of time at workstation, climb stairs, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company.

The majority of the role is performed in a manufacturing environment which may include high levels of noise. Working conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

EOE/M/F/D/V