What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Technician position at Maglio Companies?
Description
OVERVIEW:
Initiate, implement and enforce Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs to maintain the highest standards of product quality and food safety. The Quality Technician manages quality activities within the plant and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations and internal standards. This individual must possess a solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality control systems, and basic sanitation principles. The role requires the ability to communicate quality and food safety programs effectively across departments, direct others in quality practices, and conduct analytical procedures that support consistent, compliant operations.
Essential Job Responsibilities/Functions
COMPETENCIES:
This position will be frequently exposed to slippery, wet, and cold (35 degrees) conditions. The role may involve standing for extended periods, handling various produce items, and working in fast-paced environments in varying temperatures. Adherence to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), is essential.
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the food industry's commitment to delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is used to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/move up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close and peripheral vision to read labels, observe equipment, close vision, distance visions, color vision, and monitor product flow. Personal protective equipment, including slip-resistant footwear, cut-resistant gloves, and cold-environment apparel, is required and must be worn as directed
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OVERVIEW:
Initiate, implement and enforce Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs to maintain the highest standards of product quality and food safety. The Quality Technician manages quality activities within the plant and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations and internal standards. This individual must possess a solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality control systems, and basic sanitation principles. The role requires the ability to communicate quality and food safety programs effectively across departments, direct others in quality practices, and conduct analytical procedures that support consistent, compliant operations.
Essential Job Responsibilities/Functions
- Examine incoming produce to ensure it meets specified quality and safety standards before processing.
- Oversee different stages of production, from washing and sorting to packaging, ensuring adherence to food safety and quality protocols.
- Perform routine tests on process control points, such as pH, titrations, and metal detection. Check Produce for quality, such as measuring firmness, sugar content, or ripeness, using appropriate instruments. Collect samples and monitor environmental microorganisms using aseptic swab techniques.
- Verify that all processes comply with industry regulations and company standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of inspections, test results, and deviations from quality standards.
- Work closely with production, packaging, and management teams to address quality issues and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Implement and communicate information on food safety programs, manufacturing issues, and corrective actions.
- Participate in plant trials, product launches, and continuous improvement projects.
- Assist in the investigation of customer complaints and ensure timely implantation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Identify and implement food safety, process improvement, and cost-reduction ideas.
- Train production and plant employees on GMPs, food safety, and quality policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with production, sanitation, and packaging teams to address quality concerns and drive corrective actions.
- Coordinate with operational teams to reduce customer complaints and ensure consistent finished product quality.
- Identify workplace safety hazards and develop timely corrective solutions.
- Support culture of safety and continuous improvement across all shifts.
- Participate in special projects and other assignments as determined by management.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time for audits, training, or supplier visits.
- Special projects as assigned.
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong attention to detail and observational skills.
- Knowledge of food safety standards and quality control procedures.
- Proficiency in using measurement tools and laboratory equipment, including microbiological techniques.
- Good communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to quality issues.
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic computer skills for data entry and report generation.
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Additional coursework or certifications in biological or food sciences, agriculture, or related fields a plus.
- Previous experience in quality control or assurance within the food industry is preferred. Familiarity with produce handling and processing is a plus.
- Certifications in food safety or quality assurance (e.g. HACCP, SQF) are a plus.
- Bilingual, English/Spanish
This position will be frequently exposed to slippery, wet, and cold (35 degrees) conditions. The role may involve standing for extended periods, handling various produce items, and working in fast-paced environments in varying temperatures. Adherence to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), is essential.
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the food industry's commitment to delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is used to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/move up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close and peripheral vision to read labels, observe equipment, close vision, distance visions, color vision, and monitor product flow. Personal protective equipment, including slip-resistant footwear, cut-resistant gloves, and cold-environment apparel, is required and must be worn as directed
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.