QA Technician

QA Technician

The QA Technician is responsible for monitoring production processes, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation protocols, and food safety standards. Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, this role plays a vital part in the production of safe and quality food. The QA Technician collaborates closely with cross-function teams to address quality related issues and serves as a key resource in promoting a culture of food safety and quality throughout the site. This position is essential in ensuring that all products consistently meet both company and customer standards.

Key responsibilities include adhering to all established Kerry LIFE Safety, Food Safety, GMP, HACCP, and processing policies with an eye towards quality; following and enforcing procedures and practices of the Food Safety and Quality Management Systems; keeping the immediate supervisor informed of relevant activities on shift and taking or recommending corrective action when required; performing sensory, physical, chemical, and/or instrumental evaluation of raw material, in process or finished product following SOP and specifications; developing and maintaining raw material and finished product specifications; conducting environmental sampling and testing and investigating and reporting positive results; participating in the development of special processes to improve quality; generating data for Certificates of Analysis; participating in flavor panels; maintaining laboratory data, files, supplies, and calibrating equipment on a regular schedule as well as maintaining GLP's; working on the corrective actions of any customer complaints/issues; reporting food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action; understanding and complying with all HACCP, Allergen, Environmental, regulatory and customer demands and requirements; demonstrating a positive attitude and relating in a positive manner when interacting with all personnel; and any other duties as assigned by supervision.

Required qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, familiarity with current GMPs, HACCP, and allergen awareness, computer literacy, strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, ability to work independently and in interdepartmental teams, and good organizational skills and attention to detail. Preferred qualifications include a college degree in a relevant field, 0-2 years of experience in food production or a food quality lab setting, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP.

Working conditions and physical requirements include work in both office and laboratory settings within a dry blend food manufacturing facility located in Sturtevant, WI; exposure to a hygienic production environment with airborne food-grade powders; appropriate PPE is required, including safety glasses, lab coats, gloves, hairnets, beard nets, hard hats, and steel-toed shoes; regular physical activities include use of hands, sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and occasional stooping or kneeling; ability to lift up to 50 pounds and climb stairs as needed; vision requirements include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus; and ability to hear and communicate verbally in a production and lab environment.