QA Tech 1

Quality Assurance Technician I

Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager

Department: 520 – Quality Control

Work location: Evansville, Indiana

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Job Description date: 7/5/2024

Job Purpose and Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician I is responsible to:

· provide specialist technical support to all functions & operations.

· ensure that products are safe and produced according to company established guidelines & specifications, customer requirements, regulatory compliance standards, FSMA, BRC (version 9), and other food safety certification requirements (e.g. Organic, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Halal, Kosher).

Key Accountabilities

1. Promote a safe work environment at all times through the adherence to all PGPI's Health & Safety and Environmental policies and procedures as well as to all relevant Indiana OSHA regulations in order to achieve ZERO workplace incidents and injuries.

2. Ensure compliance with rigorous standards of food safety, quality, legality, and authenticity, playing a crucial role in maintaining the highest standards throughout the entire food production process.

3. Enforce and maintain all food safety/quality programs such as (Environmental, Kosher, Halal, Organic, HACCP, Gluten Free, IP/Non-GMO, vendor approval support, raw ingredient receiving inspection and release, etc.).

4. To stop production where people and/or food safety are at risk and perform internal audits as required to ensure continuous improvement around safety and take action to correct any problems or discrepancies.

5. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices and ensure ZERO food safety or contamination incidents within area of responsibility.

6. Perform daily testing to ensure product or equipment meets the establish standards of quality including reliability, usability, and performance. Perform equipment calibration and troubleshooting.

7. FG sample preparation and micro testing. Environmental monitoring and sample preparation. Coordinate samples, testing, results and follow up with corrective actions (if needed).

8. Perform analyses and special project(s) as required.

9. Raw material inspection, testing and release.

10. Visual inspection after sanitation, coordinate line cleaning, update production managers on the outcome, grade sanitation, follow up on actions and completion.

11. Create and assign CAR's (knowledgeable in the CAR process).

12. Review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for areas of responsibility.

13. Assists during traces and audits as instructed.

14. Finished Goods Inspection (appointed by QA Manager).

15. Other assignments as deemed appropriate and related to duties by the QA Manger or designee.

Internal and External Contacts

Internal: All employees in Quality, Extrusion, Maintenance, Logistics, and HSE.

External: CQFS, NPD, Customer Service, Sales, 3rd party Laboratories and Contractors.

Job Requirements (Required and Preferred)

Education: B.S. in Food Science, Biological Sciences or related degree will be considered.

Related Experience: Equivalent experience in Quality and/or Food Safety and/or Manufacturing field (i.e. experience in GMP's, SOP's, SSOP's, Kosher, Halal. Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Organic, FDA/USDA regulations, BRC, Allergen Program, Environmental & Micro Monitoring Program, HACCP, Sanitation Program, etc.).

Competencies

· Ability to learn and follow procedures

· Ability to work under pressure

· Effective communication skills

· Analysis

· Attention to Detail

· Positive, energetic and enthusiastic

· Initiative

· Work Ethic: Leads by example, demonstrates consistent compliance with company values and standards for Safety, Quality, Food Safety

· Excellent decision-making and clarity of thinking

· Planning and Organizing (Work Management)

· Motivated team player that is also able to work independently

· Problem solving: a focused, pragmatic approach to resolve problems

· Conflict resolution: Able to effectively manage and resolve conflicts both within the team and with external stakeholders

· Confrontation/Active Management Skills: Does not shy away from or avoid positive confrontation in the event of performance issues within the team

· Respect for your co-workers and Management

· Capable of doing basic math and rudimentary algebra

· Safety Awareness

Technical Skills

· Strong Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.) and computer skills.

Language(s)

· Fluency in English - required

· Fluency in Spanish - preferred

Work/Employment Conditions and Other Requirements

Work Environment: This job operates in a manufacturing warehouse environment. This role routinely uses manufacturing equipment. The environment is hot, cold, dusty and loud. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment on the manufacturing floor (hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, beard/hair nets, safety shoes). This role will be exposed to allergens including gluten & soy. This role will be exposed to Neodymium magnets.

Physical and Sensory Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms overhead and grip; climb stairs; talk or hear, work from heights up to 40 feet. The employee must occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 55 pounds.

Position Type and Working Schedule: RFT - Regular Full Time, working schedule based on production demands.

Travel Requirements: External Warehouse (as needed).

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.