Quality Specialist

JOB TITLE:Quality Specialist

DEPARTMENT:Quality

REPORTS TO: Quality Assurance Manager with interim reporting to VP of Quality

LOCATION:San Antonio, TX

HOURS / SHIFT: 7am - 4pm - 1st Shift (with flexibility if needed)

Benefits & Perks

Finlays Solutions is committed to supporting the career advancement and wellbeing of our employees. We offer a range of comprehensive benefits, including a wellness program, learning and development allowance, and opportunities for mentorship and job shadowing, designed to support both personal and professional growth. We encourage continuous learning, collaboration, and the exploration of new skills and career pathways, helping you build a global network and thrive within an inclusive, supportive environment in our organization.

Other Employee Benefits Include

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Company Matching
• Eligibility for Monthly / Annual Bonuses
• Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 10 Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteer Days Off
• Volunteer / Community Involvement
  
  

Description

The Quality Specialist: Quality Development reports to the Quality Assurance Manager and is responsible for improvement of product quality and food safety management programs, procedures, policies, and practices including data management, data analysis, and reporting. This position will therefore be involved in activities related to the SQF system, food safety plan, auditing programs, quality control, quality improvement initiatives, world class manufacturing and NPD/EPD. The incumbent will engage with all site functions, facilitating quality and food safety development and improvement activities, and may engage externally with customers. The position requires excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills. The position requires an above average ability to collect, analyze, and report on data.

About Us

Since 1750, Finlays Solutions has been the trusted leader in supplying tea, coffee, and botanical extracts to the world’s leading beverage brands. Focused on delivering exceptional beverage solutions, we empower our customers to create moments of joy with every sip. Our team is built on values of acting for the long-term, taking accountability, doing better each time, and succeeding together. When you join us, you're not just taking on a job; you're becoming part of a customer-centric culture driven by collaboration, expertise, and innovation. If you're looking for a place to grow, share your ideas, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on our team.

Responsibilities

Responsibility for the development and improvement of quality control systems through:

• Development and implementation of enhanced or new quality testing methodologies and procedures, including method validation.
• Execution and/or facilitation of analysis of testing and inspection procedures using measurement systems analysis to ascertain repeatability and reproducibility.
• Use of metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices.
• Implementation and monitoring of quality tools used to assess operational performance (e.g. non-conformance, cost of non-conformance, run charts, SPC, process capability studies). This includes identifying opportunities for improvement with subsequent actions.
• Provision of expert support to the quality team during root cause problem solving, including leading root cause problem solving activities if required.
  
  

Responsibility for management and execution of quality development projects related to the Quality & Food Safety Management System by:

• Conducting audits and gaps analysis to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Using Quality reports and data to create insights and opportunities for improvement e.g., reducing customer complaints, reducing non-conformances.
• Using project management tools to define, execute, control and organize time and resources required to execute projects to completion (e.g., Gantt Charts, RACI etc).
• Executing or assisting with execution of validation and verification studies through designing studies, gathering data, interpreting data, and finalizing reports. This includes studies required during commissioning of new plant and equipment.
• Interacting with the Operations Department to identify non-performing processes and addressing these through use of continuous improvement tools. This may include gathering data independently to assess baseline performance, followed by improvement project execution.
• Supporting the WCM program through preparation of fundamental practices, and coaching and training of Operations staff for Quality at Source activities.
• Conducting and assisting in special projects within the Finlays organization where department representation is necessary.
  
  

Execute Quality-related New Product And Existing Product (NPD/EPD) Development Activities From Formulation Through To Commercialization, Acting As The Quality Liaison To The Project Team

• Collaborating with the R&D team to provide input into quality, food safety, and regulatory related elements during NPD/EPD.
• Identifying CCP’s, CTQ’s, and customer-specific requirements that will need to be included in the HACCP and Quality Monitoring plans and assessing potential impact on the Quality & Food Safety Management System.
• Identifying and elevating requirements for consultation with the Process Authority, including potential new FDA process filings that may be required.
• Assisting with management of labelling and artwork requirements by working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitating new supplier and ingredient approvals with Supply Chain Quality team members.
• Collaborating with Commercialization Managers to complete SCALE activities relevant for Quality and Food Safety at the appropriate phases of projects.
• Collaborating with site Quality teams to implement changes required to Quality and Food Safety Management Systems, including Quality Control activities in Operations and the Laboratory, during product commercialization.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: A tertiary qualification in science-based field such as chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or food technology.
• Experience:
• Certified SQF Practitioner
• HACCP (Food Safety) training (Level 2 or 3).
• Certified internal auditor.
• Certified HACCP or Quality System Lead Auditor preferred.
• Quality and Food Safety Management system
• Skills:
• Proficient in Quality & Food Safety Management System in a food/beverage manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Food Safety related legislation (FDA / USDA).
• Exposure to food/beverage microbiology and hygiene is preferred.
• Experience in use of Root Cause Problem solving tools.
• Experience in leading and executing Quality and Food Safety improvement projects.
• Experience in the Food & Beverage industry preferred.
• Must be proficient in the use of statistical tools like measurement systems analysis (MSA), statistical process control (SPC), and process capability.
• Must have an above average proficiency in MS Office.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to lead courageously, even in situations of complexity.
• Agile in responding to new situations.
• Able to plan and organize self and others.
• Be results oriented and solution driven.
• Be able to work independently with reduced supervision.
• Be proactive in driving sustainable ways of working.
• Be passionate about Quality.
• Customer-focused.
• Self-motivated.
• Able to lead and influence.
• Team-oriented.
• Assertive and confident.
• Detail-oriented to provide highly accurate records and reports.
• High level of organization.
• Innovative - Always looking for opportunities to improve and “do things better”.
• Sustainable - Provide solutions for the long-term.
• Trusted – Takes accountability for own and department’s performance.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: [List the critical details of this section from the job description.]

• Work Environment:
• This position operates in a combined office and food/beverage manufacturing plant environment.
• The incumbent will regularly work on the production floor, in laboratory settings, and at a workstation.
• Exposure to food manufacturing conditions including temperature variations, wet/dry environments, and food-grade sanitation standards should be expected.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hairnets, lab coats, and safety footwear may be required in designated areas.
• Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to walk the plant floor regularly to conduct audits, inspections, and process observations.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. may be required.
• Must be capable of viewing computer screens and detailed documentation for prolonged periods.
• Some travel to other Finlays sites may be required.
  

Equal Opportunity Statement

Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays Solutions employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

7am - 4pm - 1st Shift (with flexibility if needed)