Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce that we are looking for a Quality Assurance Technician to join our rapidly growing company. With thirty years of growth in the global pet food sector, our ORIJEN and ACANA brands define our vision of being The Global Leader in Advancing Premium Food for Pets. If you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success by working in our award-winning company – we would love to hear from you.

Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician works under the guidance of a Quality Assurance Supervisor and/or the Quality Assurance Manager to ensure that the flow and testing of materials is completed in a timely manner. The position of Quality Assurance Technician demands that all Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Documentation Practices (GDP) are adhered to and ensures that the quality laboratory maintains the highest level of efficiency, product safety, and quality. The Quality Assurance Technician supports company initiatives to achieve goals and objectives set by our BAFRINO mandate and the Champion Petfoods vision “to be trusted by pet lovers worldwide.”

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and specialized technical procedures as dictated by laboratory SOPs; evaluating work performed by fellow Quality Technicians for quality assurance and GLP/GDP compliance; and handling procedural and technical laboratory problems as they arise. Ensures adherence to laboratory and facility quality control programs is maintained.
• Supports Quality Assurance Supervisor to ensure proper function of laboratory equipment and requisite compliance through preparation and maintenance of applicable records.
• Monitors turnaround times and performs technical and administrative quality control checks on outgoing data to ensure accuracy.
• Finished goods sample collection for nutritional analysis.
• Aseptically collect and prepare finished foods for pathogen analysis.
• Populate SARFs (sample analysis request forms) and online submittals for third party laboratories.
• Review findings and maintain all associated required records and documentation in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Preparing reports and/or summaries and communicating results to QA Supervisor and /or QA Manager.
• Supports Quality Assurance Supervisor in the IQ, OQ, and PQ (Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualifications) of new instrumentation and equipment set up in the laboratory as assigned.
• Contributes to a safe and efficient laboratory environment by properly cleaning and maintaining instrumentation, work benches, etc. to minimize test delays, test errors, and mishaps by using good laboratory and housekeeping practices.
• Creates, revises and uploads SOPs and other documentation as needed.
• Ensures that all controlled documentation is current, legible, readily understood, complete and accurate, and in compliance with all applicable procedures and specifications.
• Makes recommendations and assists/leads projects for continuous improvement.
• Becomes familiar with, and assists in the training of, company HACCP regulations and procedures.
• Assess the results of quality checks and communicate findings when applicable.
• Assist with customer complaint investigations when necessary.
• Assist with the training of quality programs and HACCP procedures.
• Assists Quality Department and Operations personnel with trace exercises
• Maintains a clean and organized work area in accordance with established corporate policies and procedures, and health and safety regulations.
• Maintains inventory levels in respect to lab supplies and consumables.
• Assists with third party audits.
• Leads by example utilizing the Company’s Core Values (TRAIL) as the basis for decision-making-this includes following all Company policies, standards and specifications.
• Works to ensure the BAFRINO Mission, Vision, Core Values and Culture of Champion Petfoods is understood and followed, demonstrated by her/his behavior of leading by example.
• Performs additional assignments per the direction of a Quality Assurance Supervisor or the Quality Assurance Manager.

Requirements

• S. Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field preferred. Commensurate experience may be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Knowledge of GLPs, GMPs, Food Safety, and Quality practices.
• Knowledge of process controls and general food manufacturing principles.
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as analytical and interpretive skills.
• Ability to set priorities, utilize and coordinate resources, and manage projects from start to finish with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs.
• Proficient in Good Documentation Practices (GDPs) and Quality Assurance laboratory workflow.
• Proficient skills in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions

• Availability to work 1st or 2nd shift as assigned, with the possibility of required overtime.
• Willing to work any shift as necessary.
• Willingness to adhere to strict quality and safety standards.
• Travel to off-site locations may be required.
• Exposure to a pet food production environment that includes dust, noise, odors, and/or fluctuating temperatures.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.