Quality Assurance Lead

Quality Assurance LeadThis position will be based at our Ready Roast location in Madera, CA.Ready Roast along with Hampton Farms is the leading In-Shell Peanut Company in the US. We are also a leading producer of other types of nuts and nut butters for the retail and commercial markets. You can find our product in most grocery stores and major league baseball stadiums. We distribute under the Hampton Farms brand and are also a leading private label manufacturer.Pay: $21.00 – $27.00 per hour depending on experience.SummaryPerform process checks throughout the production, packaging, sanitation and warehousing functions of the company, including pre-operational checks, sanitation verification, label checks, net weight checks, package integrity checks and organoleptic checks. This position will report to the Assistant Quality Manager.Duties and Responsibilities/Essential FunctionsCoordinate with production to ensure that products meet the established customer standards and notify the production team and QA management when problems occurDirect & Assist the QA Technicians while verifying completion of all daily tasksInitiate Hard Holds when necessary on non-conforming product, including labeling, segregating the product (systematically and physically), and sending an email communication to management reporting the issueConduct weekly environmental swabs and update file weekly with resultsCalibrate laboratory test equipment.Communicate, schedule and execute sample submittals to external laboratories for batch testing.Provide independent oversight of processes, verifying compliance with company standards and policies, and effectively communicating when there are deviations from standards or processes.Review and sign production and QA documentation within 7 days of production, including HACCP critical control points, to be SQF compliantInventory lab supplies, equipment, and chemicals to notify when the lab needs to place another orderOrganize, file, and manage production folders and retainsConduct research on Quality Assurance issues and deliver reports on research to management.Review and enforce the Company's food safety, quality and regulatory standards in addition to 3rd party auditor requirementsWorks evenings and weekends as required.Other duties as assignedQualificationsMinimum 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, food industry preferredBasic math and literacy Basic computer operation skillsAbility to understand and operate basic product testing equipmentHigh level of organizational skills, including written and verbal communication, creative problem solving, and commitment to company goalsKnowledge of food safety principles – such as HACCPKnowledge of GMP'sAbility to speak to groupsIdentify improvements to food safety systemsCertificate in food science or related subject a plusHigh school diploma or GED preferredPhysical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.BenefitsHealth Insurance ~ Employee Assistance (EAP) ~ Teladoc ~ Life InsuranceEmployee Referral Program ~ 401K Match ~ Disability ~ Tuition Assistance (TAP)Paid Vacation and Personal Days ~ Vision ~ Paid Holidays ~ Jury Duty LeaveDental ~ Bereavement Leave ~ Flexible Spending Account (FSA)Core Values "Equip" – Environment Quality Understanding Integrity PeopleApplication Process – This job is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference checks, education verification, pre-employment drug screening, and a criminal history check.EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer