2nd Shift Quality Assurance Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Overview:

The Quality Lead oversees quality assurance operations during their assigned shift, acting as the primary point of communication for quality- related activities in the designated area (Bakery or Topping). This role ensures that all quality and food safety standards are met, providing guidance to QA team members, and actively participating in maintaining and improving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Communication:

• Serve as the “point person” for quality operations during the shift, ensuring consistent communication between QA staff, production teams, and management.
• Funnel all quality-related updates, concerns, and recommendations to the Supervisor and/or Manager in a timely manner.
• Prepare and lead quality-focused discussions during shift handovers or team meetings.

Issue Management and Reporting:

• Document and report all product holds, deviations, and quality issues encountered during the shift.
• Escalate critical concerns, such as CCP (Critical Control Point) violations, to the appropriate personnel for immediate resolution.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records in the shift report for traceability and follow-up.

Line Monitoring and Documentation:

• Actively monitor the designated production line to ensure quality standards and specifications are met throughout the process.
• Verify that all QA documentation, including line checks and production records, is completed accurately and on time.
• File and organize completed paperwork at the end of each shift for compliance and auditing purposes.

Environmental Monitoring and Testing:

• Perform or assist in environmental monitoring activities, including swabbing for the environmental monitoring program.
• Conduct ATP verifications and allergen testing as required, ensuring proper documentation of results.
• Troubleshoot and address any issues identified during testing to prevent quality failures.

Equipment Calibration:

• Perform daily calibrations of scales, thermometers, and other quality-related equipment to ensure accurate readings.
• Record calibration results and address any discrepancies or malfunctions immediately.

Team Management and Scheduling:

• Create and manage break schedules for QA staff, ensuring adequate coverage during breaks and shift transitions.
• Provide direct support to QA staff by relieving team members on production lines when necessary.

Training and Development:

• Conduct training and retraining of QA floor staff to reinforce food safety, quality standards, and procedural compliance.
• Identify skill gaps among team members and provide hands-on coaching to enhance team performance.

Compliance and Safety Oversight:

• Monitor production areas to ensure adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), safety rules, and company policies.
• Proactively identify and address non-compliance issues, taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Promote a safety-first culture by ensuring proper use of PPE and adherence to sanitation procedures.

Shift Preparation and Organization:

• Prepare all necessary QA paperwork, tools, and materials at the start of each shift.
• Ensure smooth handoffs between shifts by reviewing and communicating any outstanding quality or safety concerns.

Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with production teams to identify and implement process improvements that enhance product quality and efficiency.
• Participate in quality audits, providing insights and suggestions for improvement based on observed trends.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Perform additional responsibilities or projects as directed by the Supervisor or Manager, contributing to overall operational success.

Qualification Requirements:

• Associates degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field and experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a role within quality assurance in the food manufacturing industry, preferably in pizza production.
• In-depth knowledge of FDA, USDA, and other relevant food safety regulations.
• PCQI and/or HACCP certification is preferred but not mandatory.
• Proven leadership abilities

Physical Demands:

• Standing and Walking: Frequent standing and walking throughout the production facility to monitor processes, conduct inspections, and supervise team activities.
• Manual Dexterity: Regular use of hands for collecting samples, performing tests, and documenting findings. This may include handling small components of testing kits and using computer systems for data entry.
• Lifting Requirements: Occasionally lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds, such as boxes of samples or equipment necessary for quality testing and audits.
• Visual and Auditory Demands: High level of visual acuity required for inspecting product quality and safety, reading reports, and entering data. The role also requires listening to team feedback and detecting any unusual sounds from equipment or production that may indicate quality issues.
• Climbing and Balancing: Occasionally climbing stairs or ladders to access different parts of the plant for audits and inspections.
• Environmental Conditions: Must be able to work in various conditions including heat, humidity, and cold typical of a food production environment. Exposure to food allergens and cleaning chemicals is common.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position works in an office and a manufacturing environment with variable temperature and loud noises from machinery and equipment alarms. The incumbent will be exposed to loud noises and alarms from equipment and machinery.