Quality Assurance Analyst

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS): · Case Audits: o Conduct thorough audits on finished products to ensure compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory requirements. o Document findings and recommend corrective actions when necessary. · Verification of COAs: o Review Certificates of Analysis for accuracy and completeness. o Ensure that all specifications are met prior to product release. · Microbiological Testing: o Perform ATP testing to assess surface cleanliness and hygiene. o Conduct APC testing to evaluate the overall microbial load in products. o Execute swabbing procedures for Listeria, Salmonella, and coliforms in production areas. · Mock Recalls: o Plan and execute mock recall exercises to assess the effectiveness of recall procedures. o Analyze results from mock recalls to identify areas for improvement. · SQF Compliance: o Monitor adherence to SQF standards across all operations. o Participate in internal audits related to SQF compliance. · Self-Inspection Activities: o Carry out regular self-inspections to ensure food safety practices are being followed. o Report any non-conformities or potential risks identified during inspections. · Documentation & Reporting: o Maintain accurate records of all quality assurance activities including audits, tests performed, results obtained, and corrective actions taken. In cases where a product does not meet established standards or poses a risk to consumer safety, the QA Analyst plays a pivotal role in executing corrective actions swiftly and effectively. o Prepare reports summarizing findings for management review. · Continuous Improvement: o A focus on continuous improvement is essential in this role. The QA Analyst analyzes data from quality assessments to identify trends or areas for improvement within the production process. They may recommend changes to recipes or processes based on these insights. · Collaboration & Training: o Work closely with production staff to promote a culture of quality and food safety. o Provide training sessions on quality assurance processes as needed. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: · Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred. · Minimum of 3 years experience in quality assurance within the food industry. · Strong knowledge of food safety regulations including HACCP, SQF standards, and microbiological testing methods. · Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail. · Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). · Strong communication skills both written and verbal. CONSIDERED A PLUS: · Bilingual English & Spanish a plus. · Planning is required to effectively manage shift operations · Proactive mind-set and flexibility are important as well as the ability to work under just-in-time pressures · Develop respective reports to think "Outside the Box" Work environment: · This position may require working on the production floor where personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required as well as in an office environment. · Occasional overtime may be necessary based on operational needs. · Working conditions are normal for a plant manufacturing food. Food safety practices are followed and upheld to the full extent. Work will involve lifting of raw materials, finished cases of bread, and ingredients. All employees will be required to wear a slip resistant safety steel toe shoe. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Furlani Foods (FF) operates three, eight- hour shifts, 7 days a week. Days and hours of work are Sunday – Saturday. Days of work are subject to change based on business needs. The individual is expected to work the necessary number of hours to ensure all department demands are met, which could include working on the off shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and/or weekends.