Quality Assurance Lead / SQF Practitioner

Quality Assurance Lead / SQF Practitioner

This position is based at our Hampton Farms location in Lubbock, TX.

Job Description: The QA Lead/SQF Practitioner reports directly to the Quality Supervisor and works closely with the processing site management to ensure the continuous integrity of the SQF and HACCP programs as well as continuous coverage in the laboratory. The QA Lead/SQF Practitioner works proactively with staff from all departments and levels to ensure a safe, quality product is produced. This position works directly with the Quality Control Technicians and will perform the duties of the QC Technician role regularly.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Responsibilities include:

• Be the site's backup contact for the SQF certification during certification audits and with the certification auditor

• Perform all regular job duties of the Quality Control Technician as required, fill in for technicians in their absence.

• Understand, Implement, verify, and validate the site SQF program.

• Oversee compliance with and maintenance of SQF systems through a process that effectively reviews, monitors and reassesses the effectiveness of all elements of the program (e.g., commitment, verification, validation, pre-requisite programs, document control, procedures, training) to ensure ongoing compliance and certification

• Assist in conducting an annual in-house SQF self-audit using the SQF audit form to review SQF program status, level of participation and commitment at plant level

• Update and manage; Product Rework Program, Supply Inventory Control Program, Document Control Program, SQF Program and lab technician paperwork reviews.

• Perform project related tasks as assigned by facility QA Supervisor

• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements

• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF System

• Develop and maintain an action register to manage audit follow-ups

• Review and verify documentation and compliance materials ensuring that the program requirements are met.

• Perform GMP inspections and lead the internal audits of the program, identifying improvement/risk areas.

• Assist in facilitating timely, corrective, and preventative actions including but not limited to daily non-conformities/deviations, internal and external audit findings, and complaints.

• Assist QA Supervisor and Manager in identifying areas of quality and food safety improvement.

• Work with QC Techs on Peanut Butter and peanut quality sampling procedures and protocols.

• Assist in training and coaching all QA Staff and Processing Personnel on overall quality and SQF requirements and expectations.

• Help with regular processing duties of the facility as needed.

• Assist plant management with creating a positive food safety and quality culture at the plant level.

Requirements (Skills and Abilities):

• Strong math, English and comprehension skills.

• Strong computer skills

• Word, Excel, etc.

• Strong soft skills - communication, leadership, etc.

• SQF, HACCP, and Internal Auditor certifications (or willingness to achieve them within 4 months of being on the job; Willing to train and provide these certifications.

• Ability and willingness to work hands on.

Quality Assurance:

• Knows and adheres to GMP policy and all Quality policies and procedures.

• Assists in identifying and or reporting non-conforming product to aid in eliminating waste.

• Communicates daily with Quality to ensure customer specifications are met.

General Expected Behaviors:

• Problem Solving

• Safety

• Work Ethic

• Communication

Additional Sanitation Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures.

• Ensure all chemical containers are labeled and used in the correct way.

• Ensure overall compliance and adherence to sanitation schedule and or requirements.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent. College degree preferred.

• 1-3 year's food manufacturing experience.

• Must be willing to work overtime and weekends.

• Ability to clearly present recommendations/ideas and to summarize issues.

• Ability to appropriately handle and maintain confidential material.

• Experience in quality assurance in food manufacturing preferred.

• Must be able to work well both independently and collaboratively.

• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to visit other sister manufacturing locations as needed.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None Required. HACCP certifications one year after placement/hire and SQF certifications, as needed.

Job Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that are required and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to ensure individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Degree of Physical Demands (Strength) associated with the essential functions of this job classification are as follows. Medium work exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for light work. Continuous standing in one location for long periods (2-3 hours before break).

• Other demand levels for this job may include the following, infrequently:

• Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. Described in terms of height, steepness, duration, and type of structure climbed. Occasionally

• Activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; or maintaining body equilibrium when performing gymnastic feats. Described in terms of type or condition of surface and activities during which balance must be maintained. Occasionally

• Activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.

• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Described in terms of duration. Occasionally

• Activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.

• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Described in terms of duration. Occasionally

• Activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Frequently

• Activity exists up to 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands. Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an extension of the hand, such as to turn a switch or shift. Frequently

• Activity exists up to 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds by ear. Occasionally

• Activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.

• Depth Perception: Three-dimensional vision. Ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are. Frequently

• Activity exists up to 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

• Color Vision: Ability to identify and distinguish colors. Occasionally

• Activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.

Work Environment: Combination of manufacturing environment along with duties that will require employee to work in a production/plant environment where physical hazards such as industrial equipment and forklifts may be present.

Benefits

• Health Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Disability

• Vision

• Dental

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Employee Assistance (EAP)

• Employee Referral Program

• Tuition Assistance (TAP)

• Teladoc

• 401K Match

• Paid Vacation and Personal Days

• Paid Holidays

• Bereavement Leave

• Military Leave

• School Leave

• Jury Duty Leave

Application Process

• This job is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference checks, education verification, pre-employment drug screening, and a criminal history check.

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

For Additional Information Visit: www.hamptonfarms.com