Quality Control Specialist

Associated Wholesale Grocers•Goodlettsville, TN

About The Position

The Quality Control Specialist inspects and inventories fresh and non-perishable inbound produce to verify freshness and compliance with USDA and AWG standards before distribution to member stores. The position is responsible for daily quality and date checks of on-hand inventory and for answering questions from produce staff and other AWG associates about products in the warehouse or arriving at the facility. The role coordinates with the department manager and buying staff on product rejection decisions, communicates quality issues to corporate and divisional produce teams, and works with receiving personnel to expedite incoming trucks. It also oversees banana ordering, ripening, room selection, and proper coverage during selection. Additional duties include monitoring stock rotation, product age and expiration dates, inventory locations, damaged and returned merchandise, and warehouse temperature controls. The specialist maintains accurate, timely records and works cooperatively with members, associates, and division management. The job requires the ability to operate warehouse mobile equipment and meet the physical demands of warehouse work, including regularly standing and walking, handling and reaching, climbing or balancing, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 80 pounds. Work occurs near moving mechanical parts and frequently involves wet or humid conditions and extreme cold; noise is usually moderate.

Requirements

Degree or equivalent; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts, including proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume, and apply basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems involving concrete variables and limited standardization, and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Strong communication and computer skills, with the ability to use and learn new technology.
Ability to operate warehouse mobile equipment.
Ability to perform the listed physical demands, including occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 80 pounds.

Responsibilities

Inspect all incoming product to ensure it meets established USDA and AWG standards.
Coordinate with the department manager and buying staff and reject product that fails to meet established standards, using the tools provided.
Communicate quality issues involving inbound or outbound product to corporate and divisional produce teams.
Work with the lumper service and receiving team to expedite incoming trucks.
Order and ripen bananas.
Inform outbound warehouse supervisors which rooms to use and which bananas to return for the day's selection.
Observe banana selection to ensure shipped product comes from the proper rooms and is properly covered.
Monitor reserve stock to verify that proper rotation procedures are followed.
Monitor merchandise in picking slots and reserve locations for product age and, when necessary, expiration dates, ensuring compliance with AWG standards.
Inventory all slots weekly and review surplus locations for missing or discovered product.
Examine damaged cases and repair them if possible.
Examine returned merchandise and determine its disposition.
Monitor temperature control throughout the warehouse.
Work cooperatively as a member of the AWG team, demonstrating integrity, tact, and consideration toward members, associates, and division management.
Use and learn new technology and maintain complete, accurate records for management, submitting them on time.
Provide customer service to AWG members in support of their sales and profits.