Pouching QA Technician

Pouching Quality Assurance Technician I

Reports To:                         Quality Assurance Pouching Supervisor

Department:                       Quality Assurance

Location:                              Springfield, MO

Pay Status:                           Non-Exempt

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the quality assurance (QA) processes performed in the pouching and packaging production area.  The Pouching Quality Technician I will verify different aspects of the pouching and packaging process. Verified steps include but are not limited to area, ingredient, inspection, cell, in-process testing/checks, and finished product release. Trains Production and Quality Assurance personnel on GMPs and quality procedures.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Responsible to ensure and understand food safety and food quality. With this knowledge has the ability to stop production and seek guidance from senior quality management.
• Release of pouching and packaging area by verifying starting components, equipment cleanliness, and room cleanliness by utilizing Cleaning Event Guarantee Inspection Checklists.
• Review Pouching and Packaging Production Records (P3R) for accuracy prior to starting and after completion of pouching and packaging batch.
• Perform in-process checks/tests of pouches, cartons, and shipping boxes made on the pouching line. 
• Final inspection of finished product, which includes (but is not limited to): P3R review for completeness, label check, weight check, and visual inspection of final product.
• Sample and approve packaging and pouching roll stock, cartons, and shippers prior to use.
• Screen x-ray reject sachet material in order to find physical contaminants; record results on appropriate X-Ray Reject Log Sheets. Able to setup and adjust x-ray equipment sensitivity.
• Scan and file packets containing Batch Production Records (BPRs), P3Rs, and CEGI Checklists.
• Perform ATP, Allergen testing, and swabbing for Sanitation Effectiveness (SE) after cleaning of pouching equipment, Cells, and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).
• Review Cleaning Event Guarantee Inspection (CEGI) checklists for accuracy prior to sending to PCQI.
• Perform guarantee inspections and documentation of cell area and manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with achieving the Quality Department goal of 98.5% first time quality.
• Perform Verification and Validation of Food Safety and Quality Programs and Plans.
• Identification and control of non‐conforming materials; including placing raw materials and finished goods on hold and placing in S-Block in SAP.
• Actively participate in Root Cause Analysis and Risk Assessments.
• Record and send out samples to testing labs.
• Perform inspection of material in delivery trucks as needed.
• Assist in quality control or technical service functions as needed; including scanning requested documents.
• Report pest concerns to QA management in a timely manner.
• Assist QA management to identify, document, and control non-conforming materials (MDR) by placing non-conforming materials on hold, complete S Block Stock transactions in SAP, and notifying QA management.
• Participate in visual, smell, and taste sensory panels.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Remain up-to-date on all required training per the QA Training Matrix for QA Tech I employees.
• Serve as backup to Production Quality Assurance Technicians when needed, including:

• Review of Batch Production Record (BPR) for completeness prior to manufacturing.
• Inspection of nutrient blends during processing.
• Perform daily retain sample inventory and data management.
• Final inspection of product, which includes BPR review for completeness, label check, weight check, critical control point checks, and visual inspection of final product.
• Assist Environmental Monitoring Technician with environmental swabbing, water samples, sanitation effectiveness samples and submit to external labs.
• Perform GMP inspections and follow up on generated actions for the warehouse and manufacturing areas.

• Actively participates in Root Cause Analysis and Risk Assessments.:
• Assist with document control, in the review of quality documents such as BPR's, Cleaning Event Guarantee Inspection Checklists, and quality surveys.
• Participates in continuous improvement of standard operating procedures and forms related to the Quality Assurance functions by bringing awareness of changes and procedures to QA management.
• Actively participate in Root Cause Analysis and Risk Assessments.
• Train Production and Quality Assurance personnel on GMPs and quality procedures while on the floor.
• Responsible to ensure food safety and quality and to comply with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Administration).
• Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) which are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.

Additional Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities (If relevant)

• None

Performance Indicators

Carries out duties in accordance with GMP requirements, established standards and schedules.

Documents deviations to production process and substandard conditions in the Production and Warehouse areas properly and brings them to the attention of Operations and QA Management for correction.

Performs monitoring activities according to schedule, tracks appropriately, and brings exceptions to the attention of QA Management.

Identifies and acts on opportunites for improvement using Glanbia Performance System principles and tools.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent is required, some College and/or trade school education is preferred.
• Experience in SAP warehouse management system a plus

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. 

At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.