Quality Assurance Supervisor

Fresh Thyme Market•Bolingbrook, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Supervisor ensures that all meat, seafood, and fresh produce distributed within the Fresh Thyme Market (FTM) supply chain meets or exceeds FTM quality standards and regulatory grading requirements. This role involves collaborating with the Buying Team for inspection of incoming and outbound loads at the distribution center, working with the warehouse team on product rotation, and creating weekly recaps and period-ending assessment reports. The supervisor is also responsible for training, coaching, and auditing FTM DC Quality Assurance teams in the execution of inspection Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and provides supervisory leadership for the Quality Assurance – Fresh team members. Fresh Thyme Market aims to be a trusted resource in communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest, helping shoppers find healthy and affordable goodness on their wellness journey.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of quality assurance supervisory experience, preferably in a Food Manufacturing or distribution center environment.
General knowledge/experience with microbiological, chemical and physical testing of food products/ingredients.
Ability to motivate and effectively lead and manage the Quality Assurance Team to achieve desired FTM company results.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.
Ability to analyze data and information and make effective and timely decisions.
Ability to work under pressure and to react to situations with a strong sense of urgency.
Ability to multitask; organize time efficiently and make decisions based on factual findings.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate throughout all levels of the organization.
Ability to be detail oriented, organized, reliable and resourceful.
Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
Ability to influence and train others and achieve necessary results.
Ability to work on weekends or as needed (Quality Assurance is a 7-day operation).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred with focus in Food Science or related discipline such as chemistry, biology or microbiology
USDA familiarity/knowledge preferred

Responsibilities

Oversees training and standardization of assigned Quality Assurance Team Members while leading communication with DC leadership teams (i.e., Director of Distribution and DC Operations Manager)
Oversee and manage assigned DC Quality Assurance – Fresh team members as related to time-off, training, quality evaluations, metrics reporting, while influencing a positive culture of quality with FTM DC team and leadership.
Lead and supervise Quality Assurance team members as assigned.
Record and deliver coaching and disciplinary action to team members as necessary.
Assure that all food safety policies and procedures are current and compliant with FTM and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate and maintain teamwork schedules and vacation.
Keep Leadership and the Buying Team informed through various reporting on incoming product quality, rejections, cGMP and food safety metrics.
Train and coach Quality Assurance team members on proper inspection processes; audits and inspection SOPs.
Review all fresh product quality issues observed by Quality Assurance team members and make decisions either to accept or reject fresh product based upon USDA and FTM Quality Standards.
Partner with the meat and product Buying team to address produce quality concerns that may require rejection.
Inspect and evaluate all inbound produce, meat and seafood loads; ensure that fresh commodities meet or exceed FTM specifications and standards for quality and temperature control, as well as USDA requirements for quality.
Ensure that the banana specifications are met on a daily basis prior to shipments leaving the FTM DC.
Utilize product quality test equipment to verify fresh products meet minimum government requirements and FTM specifications.
Report inspection observations to DC leadership; help implement, develop and facilitate corrective actions in partnership with DC leaders.
Audit the FTM DC in accordance with FDA cGMP guidelines, the FTM DC Food Safety Plan as it pertains to the Preventative Control Rule, and FTM DC Seafood HACCP Plan.
Identify and communicate with Quality Assurance team members produce seasonal trends as related to quality.
Develop collaborative and effective relationships with all levels of the FTM DC leadership and Buying team.
Provide quality assessments that analyze and compare fresh produce, meat and seafood supplier products against FTM expectations and standards and report findings to the Buying team, FTM Food Safety and DC leadership.
Utilize quality software programs to assist Buying team in assessing potential supplier charge-backs for products that do not meet FTM standards.
Act as the subject matter expect regarding quality/grading concerns; make recommendations around quality/grading concerns including rejection of product, to the Buying team.
Work with the FTM Food Safety Manager when additional review is required.
Confirm daily product thermometer calibration procedures are executed and properly logged for record keeping purposes per Calibration SOP.
Partner with the Produce Buying team to maintain annual Organic Certification of the facility through our approved certification body.

Benefits

Weekly pay
Scheduling flexibility
Paid parental leave
Team member discount
Career growth opportunities
Competitive compensation
Incentive programs
Recognition programs
Comprehensive benefits package for our full-time team members that includes medical, dental, and life insurance
Variety of programs designed to support our part-time members as well
24/7 Employee Assistance Program
401(k) plan with an employer match
Work-life balance
Long-term health and financial security
Continuous professional development