Lead QA Technician -3rd shift

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•Schaumburg, IL

About The Position

The Lead QA Technician brings quality and food safety practices to life on the plant floor. The role coaches QA Technicians, reviews documentation for accuracy, coordinates product holds and investigations, and helps teams respond quickly to potential risks. The position supports audit readiness and serves as a link between Quality and Production to help ensure products are safe, compliant, and on track. It also develops employees through training, feedback, and day-to-day guidance while modeling strong safety and quality practices. This is a third-shift position, scheduled from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, with weekends included. Pay is $26.41 per hour, with an additional $1.25 per hour shift differential and eligibility for Nestlé’s quarterly bonus structure.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment or laboratory setting.
Ability to read and understand English for safety procedures and work instructions, and to document maintenance activities clearly.
Ability to work off-shifts, weekends, overtime, and extended shifts as needed.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, move throughout the shift, work in varying temperatures, and work safely in loud areas and confined spaces, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Knowledge of quality processes and food safety systems, with strong attention to detail.
Clear verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams.
Ability to train, coach, and provide practical feedback to others.
Strong organization and time management skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including participation in investigations and root cause analysis.
Comfort using common computer tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, and learning plant systems for documentation and data entry.
Discretion and professionalism, including maintaining confidentiality of recipes and accurate records.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Experience in a lead or supervisory role.
Technical training or certifications related to quality systems.

Responsibilities

Coach, guide, and support QA Technicians, including seasonal staff, to ensure consistent quality and food safety practices.
Review production and laboratory documentation for completeness and accuracy, and ensure timely and accurate data entry in required systems.
Manage sampling and product holds; lead hold investigations and corrective actions to protect food safety and quality.
Communicate quality concerns across departments and escalate issues to leadership when needed.
Support audit readiness and participate in audit preparation activities.
Conduct post-maintenance inspections and verify that required preventive control documentation is completed correctly.
Act as a liaison between Quality and Production, including stopping a production line when necessary to protect food safety and quality.
Participate in shift meetings, update and maintain controlled documentation, and help keep work areas clean and organized, including scheduled cleaning and shutdown activities as required.
Contribute to continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and problem-solving related to quality and food safety issues.
Assist with translations when needed and perform other duties assigned by leadership.