QA Lead (2nd Shift)

At Winland Foods, quality isn’t just part of the process—it’s who we are. Guided by our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, our Food Quality Team Members ensure that every product we make is safe, consistent, and worthy of the trust our consumers place in us. As a Food Quality Team Member, you will be on the front line of protecting our standards and reputation. From performing critical inspections to supporting continuous improvement initiatives, you’ll play a hands‑on role in ensuring every product reflects our commitment to excellence. You’ll collaborate closely with production and sanitation teams, using your attention to detail and integrity to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and Winland’s high expectations. This role is more than checking boxes—it’s about leading with care, protecting consumer well‑being, and ensuring every bite of our food delivers on Winland’s promise of quality and consistency. Job Details Employee Type: Full time Location: TX San Antonio Job Type: Production Group Job Title: QA Lead (2nd Shift) Schedule: Monday - Friday, with Saturday's as needed; 2nd Shift: 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm Work Location: 5310 Historic Old Hwy 90, San Antonio, TX 78227 Salary: $29.90 per hour Benefits Medical Dental Vision 401(k) with match STD/LTD/AD&D/Life HSA FSA EAP Hospital indemnity Accident Insurance Identity and Fraud Protection Plan Legal Critical Illness Duties and Responsibilities This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance Perform daily inspections, environmental swabbing, and product inspections. Verify compliance with established standards. Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance on Quality equipment. Conduct internal audits. Oversee daily quality processes and troubleshoot operational issues. Optimize workflows to ensure efficiency and minimize downtime. Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management Conduct and oversee tasks like sensory testing, label verification, and analytical testing to ensure product attributes are correct. Understand and follow plant policies for placing materials on hold and collecting retention samples. Assist with inventory control for approved suppliers following FIFO practices. Help with customer sample requests and microbiological testing for shipping requirements. Communicate quality results to other teams within the plant. Advise production teams in re‑alignment when product is out of specifications. Manage programs related to traceability and warehouse systems. Provide back‑up support in the department lead’s absence. Ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, and safety regulations in all plant activities. Reconcile discrepancies through SAP and physical verification. Manage product rework programs and the QA Hold log in the SAP system. Oversee special inspections for incoming materials, end‑of‑run products and new product trials. Lead investigations and resolutions for quality issues, customer complaints and foreign material investigations. Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance Lead facility inspections and assist with a variety of quality checks and audits. Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation. Participate in internal auditing. Assist in leading internal audits. Lead FSQ compliance in assigned area. Act as a subject matter expert and mentor for team on food safety and enforce sanitation accountability. Train employees in food safety protocols and enforce sanitation procedures. Maintain accurate records of safety audits and compliance reports. Uphold company policies and regulatory standards in all operational activities. Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve quality issues and investigate customer complaints. Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals. Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training. Assist with SOP development and training. Facilitate cross‑departmental collaboration. Coordinate team activities, assign tasks, lead shift meetings, and train others in advanced operations. Guide and motivate team members to meet goals while maintaining morale. Train employees on operational procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols. Lead teams for GFSI and other third‑party audit programs. Collaborate with R&D during production trials and first production runs. Foster a positive, productive work environment and coach team members on WE systems. Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments. Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement Manage specialized quality programs and documentation, using technical skills in systems like SAP and other quality management software. Prepare accurate written documentation. Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP. Ensure precision in recording and reporting test results. Support plant trials, process improvements, and cost savings projects. Participate in 5S efforts. Assist in reviewing quality paperwork and document control programs. Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues. Act as 5S champion for area. Lead improvement projects, perform operator‑based maintenance, and analyze variance causes. Maintain accuracy when reviewing pre‑formed test results and verify or update formulations. Update and maintain quality assurance specifications and procedural manuals. Participate in ongoing decisions regarding study designs, data collection, and data analysis. Manage SAP transactions, maintain accurate production logs, and complete compliance documentation. Drive cost‑saving and process improvement initiatives. Facilitate clear and timely communication across shifts and departments to align goals. Monitor Sanitation performance, address issues proactively, and provide detailed updates to management. Knowledge, Training and Experience Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Food Science preferred. Experience: Minimum 1 year of work experience in manufacturing or food production. Age: 18+ years. Technical & Mechanical Skills Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes. Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities. Proficiency in SAP, handheld scanners, and basic math skills. Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues. Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Safety & Compliance Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations. Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed. Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement. Teamwork, Communication & Leadership Ability to effectively communicate with co‑workers, supervisors and others at the worksite regarding work matters, primarily conducted in English. Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a proactive, team‑oriented mindset. Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels). Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision. Personal Attributes & Work Ethic Positive attitude, dependable, self‑motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed. Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement. Physical Demands Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently. Must have good hand‑eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision. Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including ability to distinguish colors for color‑coded containers in production areas. Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership. Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock‑out/tag‑out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed. Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned. Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management. EEO Statement Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Winland Foods