Quality Assurance Technician

Company Overview

Hancock Gourmet is a growing wholesale food company located in Auburn, Maine with a strong foundation in producing high-quality food products. Our business began by preparing ready-to-eat lobster products that were successfully distributed throughout the United States through our direct-to-consumer operation.

As our wholesale and retail business lines continue to expand, we are growing our capabilities to include co-packing services and the production of our own line of kettle soups, sauces, and specialty butters. With our expanding product lines and customer base, our team continues to grow beyond our current 25 employees.

We foster a team-oriented, hands-on work environment where employees have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow alongside the company. Our fast-paced operation offers competitive opportunities for individuals who are motivated, adaptable, and excited to be part of a growing organization.

Our core values are team, adaptability, forward thinking and authenticity.

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technicians, reporting to the QA Manager are the eyes and ears of the Quality Assurance department on the production floor in regard to food safety, GMPs, and overall cleanliness.

Primary Responsibilities

· Serves as the primary contact between the production staff and the Quality department for all Quality, Food Safety and Regulatory issues

· Ensures compliance with the Food safety programs

· Ensures compliance with the HACCP programs and CCP/PC operators

· Responsible for filling out assigned HACCP compliance documents

· Responsible for recording environmental swabs when assigned

· Communicates results of swabs to QA manager or supervisor and follows CAPA given

· Conducts internal audits of plant and paperwork in conjunction with the QA supervisor

· Conducts and documents pre-operational inspections

· Communicates pre-operational inspection findings to Sanitation Manager and QA Manager

· Performs environmental swabbing per program requirements

· Responsible for performing quality monitoring tasks to ensure products meet customer expectations.

· Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills Requirements

· Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or field related to the products being developed preferred.

· Three to five years of experience in related field required

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

· Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Strong supervisory and leadership skills

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

· Experience with ERP systems a plus

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Food Safety Production Areas

· Notify Supervision of any maintenance repairs or adjustments that are required

· Notifies QA Manager or Supervisor of any Quality or Food Safety issues

· Responsible for on-the-spot correction of staff with regards to Food Safety issues

· In the absence of Quality Assurance Manager, will assume necessary operational and administrative duties such as but not limited to the ones listed below

· Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system

· Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system

· Controls further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected

· Inform Management of ANY Food Safety or Quality issues or of any processes, which become noncompliant with specified requirements

WORKING RELATIONSHIP:

· Production, Sanitation, Shipping and Receiving, Inventory Management, Maintenance personnel

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to the job. They are not intended to an exhaustive list of the responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals so classified.

Physical Requirements

· Prolonged periods standing and walking

· Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times

· Manual dexterity as needed to operate a variety of machinery and equipment and write in low temperatures

· Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and tolerate exposure to typical noises and smells associated with the plant

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 2 years (Preferred)
• Quality assurance: 3 years (Required)
• Food Manufacturing: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $22