Internal Raw Material Grading Coordinator - Lab Technician at Masters Gallery Foods Inc

3rd Shift Internal Raw Material Grading Coordinator - Lab Technician

You'll be responsible for inspecting and grading all incoming cheese that is received at Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. This position is responsible for cheese problem solving at our production facility, as well as management of bulk holds, returns, and partial loads to maximize company efficiency and profit. Of critical importance to this position, is the ability to effectively communicate at all levels with management, production, and vendors. Responsible for monitoring laboratory quality, analytical testing, microbiological testing, environmental testing, and coordinating laboratory paperwork.

1. Grade all cheese used in production and maintain complete grading and quality records.
2. Monitor bulk load weights, dates, lab analysis, storage and trailer conditions, storage temperatures and capacities, palletization and pallet conditions, and finish packaging on bulk supplied by vendors.
3. Troubleshoot cheese performance issues in production.
4. Monitor bulk holds and bulk returns.
5. Monitor rotation of bulk and partial used product.
6. Enter data for all bulk cheese at Masters Gallery Foods.
7. Scan all paperwork to be filed by lot number.
8. Assist warehouse staff with their error reports.
9. File completed paperwork.
10. Perform microbiological testing on bulk, finished product, equipment, and plant environment.
11. Participate in split sampling and proficiency testing.
12. Maintain and ensure accuracy of lab and quality equipment calibration.
13. Assist with fat, moisture, salt, and pH analyses on bulk cheese and finished goods.
14. Perform pizza bakes or other melt tests to monitor melts on different cheese blends and finished product.
15. Train and instruct Quality personnel on the proper use of reference materials and equipment/instruments to determine product compliance. Complete and distribute proper forms and worksheets.
16. Assemble cutting samples for customer presentations or testing.
17. Conduct new employee orientations regarding bulk cheese attributes.
18. Other duties as assigned by Raw Materials Grading Supervisor, Director of Grading and Cheese Quality, Quality Lab Supervisor, and/or Vice President of Food Safety/Quality Systems and Product Development.

Qualified candidates will possess:

• High school diploma required; Associate Degree preferred in Food Science or equivalent experience.

• Ability to possess a Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Cheese Grading License for American Style Cheese.

• A minimum of four years of experience in the dairy industry with experience in cheese grading or laboratory work desired. Two years previous experience in a food lab is desired.

• Ability to forecast future cheese attributes.
• Ability to assess quality and be firm in decisions.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organizational skills and analytical ability.
• Ability to problem solve and negotiate solutions under diverse conditions.

What Masters Gallery Foods Can Offer You

We're a company built on many values, among them are passion, integrity, and people, which means if you join Masters Gallery, you'll join a team brought together by enthusiasm, trust, and dedication. Beyond our commitment to offering exceptional products and customer service, Masters Gallery is committed to career development, inclusion, flexibility, and fun at work.

To uphold those values, Masters Gallery Foods provides:

• A generous benefits package (health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, critical illness, accident coverage, 401(k) with company match, and more)
• Vacation Time Off (service-based paid time off and 10 paid holidays)
• Center for Health and Wellness - Free to employees and their dependents
• Incentives and incentive programs (such as tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness, subsidized fitness programs, cell phone discount programs, employee assistance program, AAA, and more)
• Opportunities to give back to the community (drives, activities, matched donations, and more)
• Green sustainability initiatives
• Continuous improvement initiatives - technology driven
• Training and development programs
• Cheese Store, free popcorn, hot beverages, and filtered Culligan water
• Listen to Sirius XM Radio while you work!
• Continuous communication with Employees - Company App
• Opportunities to give feedback and suggestions in a judgement-free zone
• Numerous fun activities throughout the year (potlucks, company picnics, holiday party and more)

At Masters Gallery Foods, enhancing the lives of those we influence, whether our employees, our partners or individuals in our communities, is something we strive to do every day. After all, we believe a positive impact is something to be proud of, and is the foundation for everything we do. If you're looking for an opportunity to be empowered to be the best you can be at work or at home, you've come to the right place. We offer a cooperative culture that is rich in ongoing career development and rooted in collaboration.

Masters Gallery Foods is proudly based in Wisconsin, and delivers the highest quality cheese products to our partners and customers. You will be supported and encouraged to make a difference, and your dedication and passion is acknowledged and appreciated. If you want to make a change and start where you can grow, you can at Masters Gallery Foods. Join us!

Masters Gallery is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)