Food Quality Technologist

Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future:

Imagine working for a company that measures its success based off the growth of its colleagues, a company that invests in its future by investing in you. Little Caesars is a company where our colleagues make an impact.

Your Mission:

Supports the Quality Assurance function and assigned projects. Using chemistry, microbiology, engineering and other sciences, this position is part of a team responsible for supporting product development and quality assurance for specific product category(s), managing supplier relationships and ensuring compliance to regulatory requirements. The position will work cross-functionally to deliver projects within specified time, cost and quality parameters. This position will exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of the job and the proprietary and confidential nature of the position.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Lead and manage the quality assurance programs, policies and initiatives for specific product category(s). Responsible for developing inspection, testing and quality control procedures, design of quality training programs, investigation of customer complaint issues and facilitation of quality audits.
• Responsible for managing assigned product category, during corporate product recalls, withdrawals and maintains required documentation.
• Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods. Research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful.
• Partner with Purchasing and Research and Development for continuous improvement and cost savings for specific product categories while maintaining and improving quality.
• Ensure all Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hazzard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Safe Quality Foods (SQF) and all other regulatory requirements are met and maintained. Research and provide recommendations as needed.
• Implement, maintain and update policies, procedures, specifications and programs that ensure product safety and quality.
• Determine and recommend best practices in the industry including the best way to process, package, preserve, store and distribute food.
• Manage supplier relationships relative to quality, food safety issues and innovation for relative product category(s). Identify and resolve supplier food safety and quality issues.
• Handles all communication of product specification changes through appropriate channels to ensure change management success.
• Coordinates the receiving and testing of product samples from all distribution centers as per set schedule.
• Partner with Purchasing and R&D for continuous improvement and cost savings.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Quality Assurance.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Biology, Chemistry or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years Food Technology and Quality Assurance experience in the food industry with experience in one or more of the following:
• Food chemistries and microbiology
• HAACP, SQF and British Retail Consortium (BRC) requirements and metrics.
• FSMA and how it affects suppliers, warehouses and product transport.
• Knowledge of food industry manufacturing practices and familiarity with FDA and USDA regulations as they pertain to assigned product categories. This will include OSHA lab standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with franchisees, vendors and other departments. Ability to communicate complex technical data in an understanding way to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to establish, document, update and track quality metrics through standardized and accepted process control procedures.
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in the documentation of issues, resolutions, root cause, preventive controls and policy changes.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. Demonstrated ability to make sound, business decisions using the best data available. Able to resolve conflicts and gain consensus.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills and ability to work cross-functionally with individuals and teams.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple, complex projects and initiatives simultaneously with a results-oriented approach.
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, database, Internet and documentation software required.
• Sensory abilities for product evaluation.
• Knowledge/experience in the Quick Service restaurant industry.
• Masters’ degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or related discipline.

Where You’ll Work:

• Position requires working in both an office and test kitchen environment.
• Position requires field work in manufacturing plants.
• Position will require occasional travel via a variety of transportation modes for field food product testing and research.