Quality Lab Tech Nights + $5k Sign on Bonus - Rochester, MN

Kerry•Rochester, MN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division and specializes in fermented ingredients for products related to the bio-science industry. Our team is proud of the work they do and have a focus on clean label or natural products ensuring freshness. $25.00 - $29.00/hr. +$2 night shift differential Shift/Working Hours: 2-2-3, rotating shift working every other weekend, 12 hours shifts from 5 PM-5:30 AM.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related scientific field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered based on role requirements.
0–2 years laboratory or manufacturing quality experience acceptable.
2–5 years’ experience in an analytical, manufacturing QC, or food laboratory environment preferred.
Experience with laboratory instruments, sanitation verification activities (e.g., ATP/micro swabs), and working to production-driven timelines preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience with laboratory instruments, sanitation verification activities (e.g., ATP/micro swabs), and working to production-driven timelines preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports site Quality & Food Safety through routine analytical laboratory testing, accurate documentation, and timely communication of results.
Responsible for key on-floor verification activities that protect food safety and enable timely release, including sanitation verification swabbing, CCP verification checks, label verification, and initiating/maintaining product holds when quality is in question.
Works cross-functionally with Production, Sanitation, Warehouse, and Quality to ensure results are completed accurately, issues are escalated promptly, and records are audit-ready.
Maintains knowledge of relevant procedures of inspection and testing of Analytical, Microbiology, Sample and Bread testing laboratories.
Works towards continuous improvements within the labs, trending and identifying actions for Out-Of-Specification reduction.
Ensures that products and QC practices are in compliance with Kerry standards and local, state and federal regulations, as well as customer requirements.
Gives input and assists in the development of QC procedures, policies and philosophies.
Involved in all aspects of third-party manufacturing product planning, testing, and releasing.
Perform routine factory-based food safety and quality standards inspections and audits including (but not an exhaustive list): Fabrication inspections, GMP, Hygiene Verification audits, Foreign body inspections, layered confirmation audits, logging all non-conformances.
Provide guidance, education and support to the department being audited to enable them to self-inspect and ensure they understand the standards required.
Involved in Quality Programs related to GMP’s, CCP’s, Allergen Control program, Sanitation Excellence, and all other relevant Quality & Food Safety programs.
Working cross functionally to ensure the prompt release of all finished products and raw materials.
Ensures releases are on time and communicates with supply chain on the movements of end dates.