QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN (2pm to 10:30pm, Sun-Thu)

Summary

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), which has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as Kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable Kefir, the company also produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

The Quality Assurance Tech ensures the safety of Lifeway’s products based on specific criteria through sensory testing and accurate documentation. They review, track, and update employee trainings related to Food Quality and Safety.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Accurately document analytical and sensory tests of finished product, release product based on specifications
• Label and lot code verification of finished products
• Review plant sanitation, CCP Monitoring and production forms
• Perform microbiological analysis of finished products and/or raw ingredients
• Audit various production processes against established SOPs, SSOPs and GMPs
• Review, track, and update employee training on Food Quality and Safety topics
• Perform Quality and Food Safety functions within Quality Assurance Department - including Environmental Monitoring Program, Air and Water Sampling
• Accompany regulatory and third-party auditors during scheduled or unannounced audits
• Submit lab samples to third party lab
• Participate in internal facility audits
• Perform sanitation inspections of equipment using sensory and microbiological methods and compile reports
• Calibrate and troubleshoot laboratory and temperature monitoring equipment
• Maintain Hold Log
• Assist with annual validation of Food Safety plans and SQF Food Safety and Food Quality System Elements
• Provide documentation to appropriate personnel any out of specification products or conditions
• Covers for Director of Quality Assurance during absences
• Designated as Substitute SQF Practitioner
• Act as back-up contact for third party certifiers including Organic, Gluten Free and Kosher
• Report to workstation on time; Wear proper work attire; Assist in setting up work area
• Perform duties according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that meet quality and safety standards pertaining to: Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (WDA), and customer requirements
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualification and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Or one to two years related training/experience; Or equivalent
• Antibiotics Testing License, Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), and SQF Practitioner
• Demonstrate intellectual and interpersonal skills through leadership, organization, and self-efficacy 
• Ability to read, write, present, and effectively communicate in a business setting
• Advanced proficiency in calculations and applying mathematical concepts
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Software, Inventory Software, and Microsoft Office including Excel and Outlook
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.; Ability to be on your feet for entirety of 8-hour shift; Ability to climb ladders and maneuver through equipment; Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

Lifeway Foods, Inc is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with over 25 years of experience. We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir. We are an equal-opportunity employer and offer a competitive benefits package. Visit us at www.lifewaykefir.com.