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

Kerry•Rochester, MN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Lab Tech (Analytical) supports site Quality & Food Safety through routine analytical laboratory testing, accurate documentation, and timely communication of results. This role is also 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. The position works cross-functionally with Production, Sanitation, Warehouse, and Quality to ensure results are completed accurately, issues are escalated promptly, and records are audit-ready.

Requirements

0–2 years laboratory or manufacturing quality experience acceptable.
Working knowledge of analytical laboratory practices and safe chemical handling.
Familiarity with GMPs and food safety fundamentals (including sanitation verification, CCP awareness, and packaging/label controls).
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures and checklists precisely.
Ability to maintain data integrity and produce audit-ready documentation.
Proficiency with computers and common office/lab software; ability to learn site systems used for lab documentation and release support.
Effective verbal and written communication skills; able to escalate issues promptly and professionally.
Strong organization and time-management skills; able to prioritize competing tasks and meet deadlines with minimal direct supervision.
Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment and collaborate cross-functionally.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.

Responsibilities

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. Supports equipment and Out-Of-Specification troubleshooting.
Interprets and evaluates Out-Of-Specification QC test results against established specifications and industry practices. Leads product customer complaint and non-conformance investigations with Root Cause Analysis (RCAAPs) with a cross functional team. Ensures that they are actioned and closed in a timely manner.
Ensures all non-conformances pertaining to the lab are entered correctly into the Intelex database and are assigned to coordinators for investigation. Work cross-functionally in root cause analysis and investigations following site and product non-conformances. Work with production teams to drive completion of corrective action plans.
Aids in the introduction and set-up of new products and testing requirements in SAP.
Aids in the completion of external requests of samples and shelf-life extensions.
Aids the Quality team in Preventive Controls checks PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) related actions.
Coordinates all calibrations and PMs of lab equipment.
Purchases lab equipment/materials and ensures proper inventories are held.
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.