Pet Food Quality Systems Analyst - Midwest Territory

The Honest Kitchen Inc

33d • $75,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Provide support for QA department analytical review, testing, inspection, and evaluation practices as well as support functions related to materials, production, and incident management. Assists with planning and implementing food safety programs, such as but not limited to, analytical testing, material coordination, non-conforming products, allergen testing compliance, HACCP, Sanitation, and QMS. Initiate and complete food safety incident investigations by using root cause analysis. Complete routine auditing of practices and documentation as assigned as well as review of training, records, and documentation. Complete validation and verification studies of the food safety programs. Complete additional projects related to quality improvements or cost-saving initiatives as assigned. Strong leadership, organizational, and technical skills are required for this position.

This position will utilize technical tools to analyze and measure data quality and develop action plans to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

The preferred location for this role is the Midwest, preferably in the Topeka, Kansas area, as travel to various facilities will be required.

Requirements

• Proven professional relationships with quality/regulatory agency personnel
• Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Strong leadership and task management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to use independent judgment to make decisions and solve problems
• High integrity and ability to exercise good judgment
• Must love animals and be passionate about their health
• Understanding of food safety including GMPs, SOPs, and HACCP
• Understanding of product development and food manufacturing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Package (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Must have a strong work ethic and be a self-starter
• Must be able to work and complete tasks independently
• Must be able to work well in a team environment
• Bachelor of Science-Biology/Chemistry/Food Science or equivalent job experience preferred
• 3+ years of Quality Assurance experience preferred
• Able to obtain HACCP and PCQI (Human and Animal) certification
• Must have work experience in GMPs and statistical methods of handling & reviewing investigations
• Must have strong data analysis skills
• This role is performed both in a manufacturing environment and/or remote office location
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time
• Must be able to move freely through a manufacturing facility and lift up to twenty-five (25) lbs
• Must be able to operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer
• Must be proficient in data analysis (Pivot Tables, Charts, Graphs, Minitab, Tableau, etc.)
• Must be able to operate manufacturing quality equipment, such as calipers, FOSS, density measures
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Must be able to exchange accurate information
• Must be able to observe for long periods
• Must be located in the Midwest and able to travel up to 50% of the time
• Must be able to observe details at close range

Responsibilities

• Initiate root cause analysis and problem-solving practices to resolve incidents and hold products
• Participate and lead continuous improvement initiatives
• Support all testing functions of the organization
• Sampling program (includes “rolling schedule” and “product cutting”)
• Conduct analytical testing
• R&D initiatives
• Participate in positive release program (all facilities)
• Performance of Quality Data Oversight of the Quality Control Laboratories
• Review and Approval of Laboratory Protocols/Reports and Laboratory Investigations
• Knowledge of regulatory programs (federal, state and AAFCO)
• Assist with the organization of internal and external audits (supplier and manufacturer)
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality system policies and programs pertaining to data collection and analysis
• Monitor quality assurance, production, and material inspection, adherence, and compliance as assigned.
• Aid in the advancement of quality systems and programs
• Collaborative maintenance of Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Maintain ongoing documentation needs
• Review system for company compliance
• Responsible for the creation, review, approval, and issuance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Manage Corporate processing of deviations, CAPAs, and change control processes
• Conduct and coordinate Root Cause Investigations
• Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the electronic Training Systems
• Performance of risk analyses and complete associated documentation
• Responsible for documentation archival
• Achieve quality assurance operational objectives by contributing information and analysis to strategic plans and reviews; prepare and complete action plans; identify and resolve problems.
• Maintain quality assurance plans by conducting hazard analyses; identifying critical control points and preventive measures; and establishing critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification procedures
• Validate quality processes through raw ingredient and finished product specifications
• Prepare quality documentation and reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends including failed processes, stability studies, corrective actions, and re-validations.
• Perform other duties as required to support the Quality team or internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• Time off: We offer a highly competitive time off schedule, including unlimited vacation and additional sick time, in addition to a generous company-paid holiday schedule.
• Benefits: Various health insurance plans with generous employer contributions to premiums. We also offer vision, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, critical illness, an employee assistance program, and an FSA/HSA.
• Financial wellness: Enjoy perks like a company 401K with an employer match.
• Mission Driven: Employees can take up to 40 hours of volunteer time a year, and we offer donation matching to non-profit organizations of your choosing.
• Pet Friendly: Pet-friendly offices, zoom calls, discounts on pet insurance, and of course, free pet food!
• Collaborative Team: We offer a fun, team-oriented work environment where you feel like you are making a difference every day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level