What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Specialist position at Lakewood Organic Juices?
Reports to: QA Manager
Department: Quality Assurance
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
The Quality Assurance Specialist supports Lakewood’s quality systems, product compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role focuses on maintaining specifications, reviewing documentation, supporting QA programs, and ensuring products meet internal, customer, and regulatory requirements. The position collaborates closely with QA, QC, Production, and Procurement to maintain consistent product quality and support new product development when needed.
Responsibilities:
- Create, update, and maintain raw material specifications, finished goods specifications, and batch sheets for production.
- Review Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for raw materials and finished goods.
- Assist in developing and updating SOPs, forms, checklists, and other QA documentation.
- Support customer complaint investigations, root-cause analysis, and non‑conformance resolutions.
- Conduct sensory evaluations of raw materials and finished products; recommend formula adjustments to maintain quality and consistency.
- Coordinate and send samples to laboratories as part of company testing programs.
- Perform administrative QA tasks including data entry, document control, record maintenance, and cross‑department communication.
- Support compliance with HACCP, FSMA, Organic, Non‑GMO, Kosher, and other regulatory or certification requirements.
- Participate in R&D activities as needed, including formula reviews, nutrition fact updates, new product development, and product improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to internal audits, traceability exercises, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the QA Manager.
Qualifications, Skills & Competencies:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience in food QA.
- Preferred: Experience in food manufacturing and familiarity with HACCP, FSMA, Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong critical thinking.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.