The Quality Lead performs administrative and laboratory duties established by the QA Supervisor. This position requires an individual willing to follow all established regulations, company policies, and cross-train in laboratory equipment, methods, procedures, and sensory evaluations. 

SKILLS, TRAITS, & COMPETENCIES:

·         Leadership experience. Ability to direct others without direct reporting authority

·         Good organizational, critical thinking, and planning abilities

·         Good communication skills

·         Familiar with MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and ERP databases

·         High sense of urgency, able to drive projects and tasks to completion

·         Collaborative; thrives in a team environment

·   Flexibility to work various shifts as production demands require, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Plan/schedule, prioritize, assign, and participate in work for performing laboratory test data.

·         Ensure test data (raw material, intermediate, & finished product) is collected, reviewed, entered, and reported; includes HPLC & Chromatograms meet requirements and tolerances.

·         Ensures entry of data in company database and Hold log (as applicable) for conforming and non-conforming.

·         Report any out of specification result to QA Manager with escalation for corrective Action.

·         Supports quality and supply chain management in ensuring that finished product COAs are issued.

·         Supports QA management and Production to define quality procedures and frequency of testing and prepares and reviews laboratory SOPs and Lab Test Procedures (LTPs).

·         Ensures laboratory staff are adequately trained on quality, food safety and occupational safety & that lab tests, and procedures are properly understood, carried out, and evaluated.

·         Supports QA management & Purchasing department in reviewing and updating product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability expectations for raw material (external suppliers), ingredients, intermediate and finished products. 

·         Coordinates the specialized testing of products at outside accredited laboratories.

·         Leads the calibration program with the laboratory and plant.

·         Performs preventive maintenance on critical laboratory equipment and works with outside vendors and contractors on specialized equipment servicing.

·         Conducts verification, validation and proficiency testing activities on specific assigned laboratory instruments and personnel as applicable.

·         Conducts specialized analytical testing when required.

·         Monitors laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables for the QC laboratory.

·         Assists the QA Manager in laboratory budget preparation, tracking and reporting.

·         Supports QA leadership regarding SQF, organic, customer and regulatory and internal audit compliance.

·         Provides coverage and support of the laboratory technicians when required.

·         Any other reasonable duty assigned by management.

Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or bending

·         Visual acuity required to perform inspections

·         Climbing stairs and ladders

·   Ability to work in high-temperature environments

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Health and Wellness Incentives
• 10 Days of PTO
• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• 5 Personal Days
• 401(k)
• Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)