Lab Coordinator, QA (4258)

Kentucky Fried Chicken • Plano, TX

128d

About The Position

You will play a critical role in guaranteeing the quality and safety of KFC's food sourcing, ensuring our products always meet the highest standards, in line with KFC's specifications and requirements. Your mission will be to support the Food Safety & Quality Assurance teams by managing the Quality Assurance lab, conducting routine QA product evaluations, supporting sensory testing, and providing lab support for new product launches and supplier approvals. You will also support core improvement projects, analyzing lab results and providing insight on opportunities to adjust and improve processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in a technical/science-related field
• 1-2 years of experience in restaurant QA support, supplier QA, and/or sensory lab role
• Prior experience in food industry and/or product sensory analysis preferred
• Strong analytical skills to gather, analyze, and interpret data
• Strong organizational skills to manage workload and schedules effectively
• Problem solving and documentation skills to ensure appropriate investigation with documented resolution of issues
• Ability to quickly learn processes and procedures and apply insights to role
• Strong team player that contributes to a positive and productive team environment; able to build strong relationships with teammates and stakeholders to deliver on day-to-day mission
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present effectively

Nice To Haves

• Experience in food industry and/or product sensory analysis preferred

Responsibilities

• Manages KFC product evaluation program, ensuring timely product evaluations based on category, risk, and brand importance; coordinates third-party lab testing logistics, data entry, and billing for QA activities
• Conducts lab analysis, sensory testing, and prepares reports to support supplier approvals, product development, supplier monitoring program, and product improvement projects
• Handles foreign object investigations reported through the QA Hotline, coordinates supplier follow up and maintains compliance with YUM retention policy
• Handles DC transit temperature compliance incidents, prepares reports, communicates non-compliance, and engages with Product Managers and the temperature monitoring vendor
• Maintains lab equipment and a clean work area, establishes lab policies and procedures, and manages storage and disposal of supplies and samples
• Helps build supplier partnerships by supporting summits, workshops, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of time

Benefits

• Ensure food safety excellence by leading critical initiatives that uphold KFC's commitment to delivering high-quality, safe products to millions of customers
• Expand your expertise and leadership by collaborating with industry-leading suppliers, training teams on food safety protocols, and driving continuous improvement across the system
• Gain cross-functional visibility by working with Operations, Legal, Training, and Supply Chain teams to influence quality and compliance strategies
• Be part of a world-class brand that prioritizes innovation, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to food safety and quality

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree