Food QC Specialist at Vallarta Supermarkets

Pay Range:      $66,500-$75,000/year

Job Title:          Food QC Specialist    

Reports to:      Commissary Manager

Status:             Full Time, Salary- Exempt

The Food QC Specialist primary responsibilities will include raw material and packaging inspections, monitoring of In-process inspection procedures and finished goods documentation review. Responsibilities will also include maintaining logs and data records associated with job function (e.g. non-conforming materials, corrective action log, hold logs, net content files, etc.) plus ongoing food sampling submissions to offsite laboratory test facilities. Supports the compliance to SQF (Safe Quality Foods) requirements while supporting continuous improvement for Quality metrics/KPI’s in the area of responsibility. This role has direct communication with all levels of operations management and corporate supervisors including but not limited to; audits, product cuttings, complaints, new products and specification changes. This position is the key contact for regulatory personnel for day to day business.

Responsibilities :

Operations / Facility Support
Supports investigations on improvement projects (e.g. holds, consumer complaints), helps to identify root causes, and helps to identify corrective actions and monitors for effectiveness

Execute required tests on incoming ingredients and packaging according to QMS (Quality Monitoring Scheme)

Perform verification on finished goods documentation to ensure that each finished goods lot meets product/process release criteria including coordinating third party auditing.

Support training for line operators to ensure process checks are accurate and timely as stated in QMS

Retain finished good samples and hold "out of specification" material. Communicate to Commissary Management and other Team Members

Utilize net contents software/hardware to obtain net content information to release finished goods as well as assist operators with the use of net contents equipment

Calibrate testing equipment such as pH meter, moisture analyzers, scales, etc. according to specifications

Support execution of GMP’s throughout the facility and ensure personnel follow safety rules and procedures

Results recording for net contents, sensory, HACCP and Procedures

Assist in Document Control System

Support management of Change process

Conducts daily routine sample analyses using lab techniques and other instrumentation following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

Organizes laboratory records and files, summarizes data, and prepares and interprets reports used by management. Ensures compliance to procedures and work instructions

Supports facility activities to ensure that a high quality of products, services, housekeeping, and hygiene standards are maintained and improved in facility and other analytical areas

Responsible for daily/weekly reading, release/holds, swabbing, calibration, sample collection, sample preparations, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or other related field preferred or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years previous manufacturing QA/QC and/or laboratory experience in food industry
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement
• Good verbal and written communications skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Must be able to handle multiple assignments
• Must be precise and accurate, well organized worker
• Must be able to perform in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Good mathematical (basic statistical skills highly desirable), problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficiency with computer systems, personal computers, spreadsheet software (Microsoft Office, etc.) and mainframe system with custom applications preferred
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
• HACCP certified

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic SQF training preferred