Quality Technician - Food Manufacturing Environment

Winland Foods•Tolleson, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Winland Foods, quality is a core value. The Food Quality Team Members are responsible for ensuring product safety, consistency, and upholding consumer trust. This role involves performing critical inspections, supporting continuous improvement, and collaborating with production and sanitation teams to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards. It's a hands-on position focused on protecting the company's reputation and ensuring every product meets Winland's promise of quality and consistency.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum 1 year of work experience in manufacturing or food production.
18+ years of age.
Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes.
Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities.
Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed.
Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.
Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors and others at the worksite regarding work matters, which are mostly conducted in English. This includes the ability to understand and respond to oral communications; understand written information, communications, and safety information; and communicate in writing as needed.
Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a proactive, team-oriented mindset.
Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.
Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.
Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.
Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Food Science are preferred.
Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.
Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels).
Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Perform daily inspections, environmental swabbing, and product inspections.
Verify compliance with established standards.
Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance on Quality equipment.
Conduct and oversee tasks like sensory testing, label verification, and analytical testing to ensure product attributes are correct.
Understand and follow plant policies for placing materials on hold and collecting retention samples.
Assist with inventory control for approved suppliers following FIFO practices.
Help with customer sample requests and microbiological testing for shipping requirements.
Communicate quality results to other teams within the plant.
Lead facility inspections and assist with a variety of quality checks and audits.
Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.
Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
Participate in internal auditing.
Assist in leading internal audits.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and investigate customer complaints.
Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.
Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training.
Assist with SOP development and training.
Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration.
Manage specialized quality programs and documentation, using technical skills in systems like SAP and other quality management software.
Prepare accurate written documentation.
Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.
Ensure precision in recording and reporting test results.
Support plant trials, process improvements, and cost savings projects.
Participate in 5S efforts.
Assist in reviewing quality paperwork and document control programs.
Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues.
Act as 5S champion for area.