Quality Assurance Specialist

Agropur•Le Sueur, MN

2d•$69,500 - $86,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for overseeing and the execution of quality assurance and food safety programs at the plant level. This role ensures that all production processes adhere to quality standards and collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and address quality issues. The QA Specialist plays a key role in driving quality continuous improvement initiatives, training plant employees, and supporting audit readiness.

Requirements

Associate's Degree from a two-year college or technical school in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field required.
Minimum three (3) years of experience in quality assurance in a food manufacturing environment required.
Experience with HACCP, GMPs, GLPs, and regulatory compliance required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
HACCP Certification preferred.
SQF Practitioner or PCQI certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of quality systems, including HACCP, GMPs, GLPs, and food safety protocols.
Coordinate routine audits and verifications of quality and food safety practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
Review and analyze quality data (e.g., KPIs, test results) to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
Collaborate with production teams to resolve non-conformities and drive quality improvement initiatives. Verify CAPA effectiveness and process controls are sufficient.
Coordinate supplier and customer complaint investigations, ensuring timely and effective response and resolution.
Oversee product and environmental sampling programs, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.
Develop and deliver training programs for plant employees on quality and food safety requirements.
Ensure audit readiness by maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation and records.
Assist, and may lead, regulatory and third-party audits, and provide guidance with the development of corrective action plans, ensure completion and closing of NC’s.
Monitor compliance with pre-requisite programs, such as pest control, sanitation, supply chain incoming materials, and allergen management.
Collaborate with the QA team, R&D, maintenance, production, and supply chain teams to maintain and update SOPs, testing procedures, and documentation.
Support the site’s quality continuous improvement initiatives by participating in cross-functional team meetings and projects.
Ensure timely execution of quality hold/release functions for raw materials and finished products.
Assist in the resolution of assigned customer complaints, including investigation, root cause analysis, corrective action, and timely written response to customer.
Oversee the certification submissions program to ensure all products are properly being managed under the designated certifying bodies.
Compile information and submit Corrective Action Reports (CARs) when facility issues result in supplier complaints.