Quality Assurance Lead

Quality Assurance (QA) Lead – Peanut OperationsPosition Type: Full-Time / Temp to Hire Pay Rate: $20.00-$22.00 hr. (Once certified $25.00 hr.) Shift: 6PM-6:30AM Location: Suffolk VAAbout Us: At our processing facility, we take pride in manufacturing and delivering the highest quality peanut products to our customers nationwide. From raw shelling to roasting and manufacturing, safety and quality are at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking an experienced and proactive Quality Assurance (QA) Lead to oversee daily food safety compliance, guide our QA technicians, and partner with production leadership to maintain our industry-leading standards.Position Overview: As the QA Lead, you will serve as the primary link between quality assurance, lab testing, and plant operations. In addition to performing advanced analytical testing and line verification, you will lead floor audits, manage non-conformance investigations, oversee environmental monitoring programs, and assist with audit readiness. You will play a pivotal role in coaching shift technicians, maintaining HACCP compliance, and ensuring prompt resolution of any quality or safety deviations on the floor.Key Responsibilities:QA Floor Leadership & Guidance: Provide day-to-day guidance, scheduling support, and technical coaching for QA Technicians and floor inspectors across production shifts.HACCP & CCP Oversight: Oversee Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring, metal detector verification, and pre-operational checks. Serve as the first point of escalation for CCP failures or process deviations.Advanced Testing & Calibration: Perform and oversee specialized sampling and lab testing for raw and processed peanuts—including moisture analysis, visual grading, defect scoring, salt/oil levels, and aflatoxin screening. Ensure all lab equipment is properly calibrated.Non-Conformance & Root Cause Analysis: Lead the hold-and-release process for non-conforming materials, packaging, or finished products. Partner with plant operations to perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).Audit Preparation & Compliance: Maintain, review, and audit daily logs for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and HACCP compliance. Assist QA Management in preparing for external SQF/BRC and FDA audits.Environmental & Sanitation Verification: Oversee the environmental monitoring program, including ATP swabbing, pathogen sampling, and post-sanitation clearance of processing machinery.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Production Supervisors, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to continuously improve food safety protocols, reduce scrap/waste, and optimize plant efficiency.Qualifications & Skills:Experience: 3–5+ years of quality assurance/control experience in food manufacturing, agricultural, or nut-processing operations, including at least 1–2 years in a lead, senior technician, or supervisory role.Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Agriculture, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.Certifications & Knowledge: HACCP Certification required. In-depth knowledge of FDA regulations, GMPs, allergen management, and environmental monitoring. Practical experience with GFSI standards (SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000) is required.Leadership & Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to lead team members, conduct root cause investigations, and enforce compliance in a fast-paced environment.Technical & Communication Skills: Strong analytical math skills, proficiency with QA software/Excel, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 30–50 lbs, and work comfortably in a manufacturing environment with temperature variations, dust, and exposure to peanut allergens.