FSQA Technician

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery•Tarboro, NC

About The Position

The Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) Technician ensures that products meet company and customer specifications by monitoring critical control points and verifying compliance with company and regulatory standards for quality and food safety. The role supports programs such as SQF and HACCP, primarily through on-the-floor process and product auditing. The technician identifies and helps eliminate product concerns; maintains accurate laboratory and compliance records; makes decisions and provides guidance regarding food safety and product quality; and supports continuous-improvement initiatives. Responsibilities span food safety, quality and regulatory activities, and research and development. A trained designee appointed by plant management covers absences or vacancies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
In lieu of a degree, two years of related experience or training in food manufacturing.
Ability to complete microbiological testing of finished products, ingredients, and environmental samples.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Proficient knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Demonstrated problem-solving ability.
Solid organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment while performing the job.
Ability to constantly stand, stoop, walk, bend, push, or pull for the duration of a shift that may last up to 12 hours.
Ability to meet the visual acuity demands of possible pre-operational duties and reading paperwork and labels.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in microbiology, food science, or a related field.
Knowledge of aseptic technique.
Proficient knowledge of SQF.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with HACCP, SSOP, GMP, environmental sampling, allergen and other relevant food safety procedures, and SQF.
Monitor ingredient storage in the warehouse for proper rotation and use of materials.
Perform trace and recall activities for materials when needed.
Verify adherence to product and material specifications and verify manufacturing activities.
Inspect incoming sourced materials and review and approve incoming packaging materials.
Collect samples for microbial monitoring, product analysis, and product audits.
Conduct audits and checks, including temperature, oxygen, and net-weight checks.
Monitor prerequisite programs related to SQF.
Assist with SPC data collection to help reduce or eliminate process variation, and collect data for plant capability studies.
Cross-train in other QA functions as needed and develop capabilities in shelf-life and product-evaluation programs.
Participate in Safety and Lean teams as needed.
Perform pre-operational and operational equipment inspections as described in the SSOP program.
Conduct pre-shipment reviews of operations within the area of responsibility.
Conduct detailed product audits to verify product and package details meet specifications.
Conduct daily product panels and document results.
Isolate non-conforming product appropriately.
Support new-product qualifications and assist with processing finished-product specifications and photo standards.
Support product improvement.