Quality Specialist

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us!

This role is not a remote opportunity, it is on-site at our Manufacturing Plant in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Scope:

The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for coordinating document creation, implementation, review and change, daily record review, maintenance of metrics, specification maintenance covering blending and packaging operations. Also responsible for the daily maintenance of customer data bases for internal and external customers. Requires a very organized individual able to complete projects and task on a timely basis and documentation of permanent records for the company and its customers.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Promote a safety-focused workplace by enforcing safety policies, modeling safe behaviors, and educating team members on the importance of safe operations.
• Evaluate production processes and related documentation, escalating concerns to production management.
• Manage, investigate, and resolve non-conforming materials effectively.
• Collaborate with suppliers to address and resolve quality issues involving non-conforming purchased materials.
• Lead and contribute to Root Cause Analysis and corrective/preventive actions for food safety and quality concerns.
• Assist in gathering and communicating quality performance metrics.
• Participate in internal audit activities.
• Track consumer and customer complaints, establish KPIs, and drive complaint-reduction initiatives in coordination with the Plant Manager.
• Support the development and upkeep of internal specifications.
• Create and maintain finished product labeling.
• Help develop and deliver quality training programs for employees.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with SQF food safety standards.
• Contribute to Food Safety Plan reviews and the implementation of Quality Manufacturing Systems.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, forms, and checklists.
• Identify opportunities for continuous quality improvement and support implementation of new processes, policies, or programs.
• Lead supplier-related investigations through to resolution.
• Be available to provide support outside regular working hours when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BS Degree required, Food Science, Microbiology or Engineering preferred
• 1-3 years of food manufacturing QA experience. Knowledge of powder blending and packaging technology preferred.
• HACCP Certification from a nationally / internationally recognized and accredited HACCP training firm or currently in the process of obtaining preferred
• Knowledge of FDA regulations and SQF experience required
• Strong expertise in Quality Assurance and cGMP/GDP requirements
• Must have strong organizational and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with cross functional departments within the organization
• Strong communication skills required – both verbal and written
• Excellent problem-solving skills and corrective action/resolution skills
• Strong computer skills with experience using Word, Excel, Power Point

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds