QA Lead

Simmons Foods•Quakertown, PA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

Supports the overall daily activities of the quality assurance program and the specialized positions within the department. Leads the daily activities of the quality assurance department by providing oversight to the Laboratory Technicians. Assists in implementing a total quality management program and/or trains others on total quality management.

Requirements

2-3 years Quality Assurance or Quality Control experience.
Working knowledge of current laboratory procedures, HACCP principles and plant GMPs.
Computer skills including functional knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Gmail.
Thermal Processing knowledge required if the position supports a Pet Food facility.
Double seam knowledge required if the position supports a Pet Food facility.
High School diploma or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Preference for food processing organization.
Bachelor’s or 2-year degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field or some college level Science courses (i.e. general chemistry).

Responsibilities

Trains and oversees the QA Staff at the direction of the Quality Assurance Manager, providing oversight, and guidance to the Quality Assurance Technicians.
Maintains open communication with the Quality Assurance Manager, Production Management and Supervision, especially regarding problem resolution, corrective and preventive actions.
Conducts in-plant analysis and in-facility audits of production/quality records as determined by the Quality Manager.
Ensures sample collection and analysis for various post-process measurements, including primary and secondary packaging, product evaluation, sample library management, collection of samples for product deviation evaluation, and the incubation program.
Collects samples for outside laboratory analysis and customer positive release program.
Conducts post-process examination on samples and reports all deviations to the Quality Manager.
Administers sample collection in accordance with facility sampling program, including post-process panels, external analysis, customer positive release, incubation, product deviations, and sample retains.
Reviews Finished Goods and Raw Material Analysis for compliance.
Collaborates with R&D to ensure Finished Product Specifications are up to date and correct.
Inputs Quality line check data, external laboratory results, and panel/internal analysis results into the system.
Compiles, sorts, and verifies accuracy of data to be entered.
Conducts required post-process evaluations, including standard post-process samples, incubation, and product deviations.
Conducts daily calibrations related to tests performed.
Uses a spreadsheet program to enter and save numerical data.
Manages information including editing, creating, manipulating, entering, and retrieving data from databases.
Creates reports to communicate information to other departments.
Conducts routine activities of the Quality Assurance Manager, as requested for support or in their absence, which may include product release, report preparation, data entry, meeting participation, and other required duties.
Participates in the ongoing development, communication, and implementation of team concepts, programs, and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members.
Attends appropriate team meetings.
Fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues (e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes).
Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues.
Actively looks for ways to achieve synergy within the larger organization.
Maintains familiarity with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g., quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN) and understands the position’s role in supporting these systems.
Considers the impact of individual actions on the systems and communicates concerns and improvement ideas.
Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.