Quality Assurance Lead

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Quality Assurance Lead is responsible the monitoring and verification of the Food Safety and Quality Management System at the plant level. This position ensures that all raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods meet established food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Under the direction of the Quality Assurance Manager, the Quality Assurance Lead works closely with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Warehouse personnel to ensure compliance with SQF, FSMA, USDA Organic, HACCP, prerequisite programs (including GMPs and sanitation), and all applicable regulatory and customer requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Safety and Quality System Support

• Perform daily quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with food safety and quality programs
• Support implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the SQF Food Safety and Quality Management System
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, USDA Organic, GMPs, prerequisite programs, and customer-specific requirements
• Promote and reinforce a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the facility
• Communicate food safety, quality, and regulatory issues promptly to the Quality Assurance Manager and plant leadership
• Support product hold, evaluation, release, and disposition activities in accordance with established procedures

Monitoring and Verification Activities

Perform and document required monitoring and verification activities, including:

• Review Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and verify inbound ingredient compliance
• Inspect incoming raw materials and packaging for quality and specification compliance
• Perform in-process and finished product inspections and quality checks
• Review and verify production lot records and associated documentation
• Monitor and verify Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Critical Quality Points (CQPs)
• Conduct pre-operational inspections and operational line inspections
• Perform environmental monitoring and ATP swabbing as required
• Verify sanitation effectiveness and compliance with sanitation programs
• Verify calibration status and accuracy of monitoring and measuring devices (scales, thermometers, etc.)

Sampling, Testing, and Documentation

• Collect product and environmental samples for microbiological and analytical testing
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized quality assurance records and documentation
• Review laboratory results and notify the Quality Assurance Manager of any nonconforming results
• Ensure proper document control and record retention in accordance with SQF, USDA Organic, and regulatory requirements

Training and Audit Support

• Assist with training plant personnel on GMPs, food safety procedures, quality standards, prerequisite programs, and regulatory requirements
• Support onboarding of new employees with respect to food safety, quality, and personal safety expectations
• Assist with internal, customer, certification, and regulatory audits
• Provide audit support through record preparation, facility inspections, and corrective action follow-up

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or related field preferred
• Quality assurance experience in food or beverage manufacturing preferred
• Experience working in an SQF, GFSI recognized, or HACCP-based food safety system preferred
• Experience with USDA Organic certification programs preferred

Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Knowledge of HACCP principles, Critical Control Points, and preventive controls
• Knowledge of GMPs, prerequisite programs, sanitation practices, and food safety regulations
• Familiarity with SQF or other GFSI-recognized certification standards preferred
• PCQI certification preferred or ability to obtain
• HACCP certification preferred or ability to obtain
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply standard operating procedures, specifications, and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

WORK SCHEDULE AND ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to work flexible hours based on production needs

This position operates primarily within a food manufacturing environment and routinely works in production areas where there is exposure to:

• Food allergens
• Production equipment and moving machinery
• Moderate noise levels where hearing protection is recommended