Produce Quality Assurance Inspector

Job Description

Responsible for contributing net profit to the organization through a reduction of quality-related losses on inbound shipments of produce products. Assure all incoming products conform to written and approved quality specifications. Maintain a system of controls for proper receiving practices, labeling, sanitation, temperature control, bacterial levels, and other related concerns to protect both the company and the consumer and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulatory requirements.

Consult with Produce Merchandising, Produce Buyers, Floral Merchandisers, and Floral Buyers on inventory levels, shelf life, shrinkage, and other quality-related areas. Document and communicate pertinent data related to product quality levels on a timely basis to the Produce Merchandising Department and Produce Procurement. Identify and correct problem areas in the distribution center that affect the quality of produce, such as plant temperatures, methods of loading, product rotation, and other handling practices.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the execution of Receiving Inspection in the Produce Warehouse.
• Work with produce merchandising, floral merchandising, and produce procurement to enforce quality specifications covering all incoming products.
• Ensure that the produce or floral merchandiser is involved in the disposition of suspect product and is made aware of problem areas having an adverse effect on quality.
• Provide produce procurement with information related to quality levels of incoming products.
• Organize and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record-keeping system.
• Ensure weight control by taking product weight checks.
• Provide the Accounting Department with information concerning bill backs to ensure that proper deductions are made when appropriate.
• Maintain sanitation and bacteriological controls to ensure maximum food safety.
• Conduct both day and night operations to ensure predetermined quality levels and procedures are maintained throughout the total distribution function.
• Provide surveillance information to Produce Merchandising and Floral Merchandising to ensure proper product rotation is maintained.
• Monitor the accuracy of quality-related distribution center equipment, including scales and thermometers.
• Maintain awareness of proper handling procedures for various products to ensure maximum shelf life.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

• Computer skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to take on tasks outside of their area of expertise
• Strong oral communication and presentation skills
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to achieve objectives through others

Desired

• Store management experience
• Retail produce department management experience