Total Quality Lead

GRUMA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Our plant in Evansville, IN is looking for experienced Total Quality Lead. The Total Quality Lead ensures that products exceed customer and consumer expectations. Ensures that all Quality Department process stays within established specifications and standards. Engages plant personnel to strive for the highest quality standards at all times. Supports the Total Quality (TQ) Manager in developing and guiding the TQ team.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, food science, or a related field plus one year of experience in the job offered or related quality control role in a food manufacturing environment. Requires one year of experience in the following:
Conducting physicochemical tests with recognized industry methods and comparing results to written product specifications.
Inspecting incoming ingredients and packaging, recording findings in electronic quality or inventory systems, and approving or rejecting lots.
Operating standard food-lab equipment such as moisture or protein analyzers, precision balances, viscosity or rheology testers, and pH/conductivity meters.
Preparing and reviewing laboratory procedures, certificates of analysis, and corrective-action reports within an established quality-management framework.
Entering analytical data and generating quality reports in enterprise resource-planning (ERP) or laboratory information-management systems (LIMS).
Working in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, food-safety plans, and third-party audit requirements.

Responsibilities

Act as the frontline quality liaison between processing and packaging teams.
Review the daily production schedule, gather required materials, and distribute them to TQ personnel.
Monitor and enforce the facility’s food-safety program.
Conduct random product-weight checks and take corrective action when targets are not met.
Complete all quality documentation and reports accurately and on time.
Enter data in SAP in accordance with work instructions.
Keep the quality workspace clean, organized, and audit-ready.
Verify code dates, seals, product weight, and overall appearance meet specified parameters and customer requirements.
Confirm that all equipment is in proper working order and promptly report any deficiencies.
Perform visual product inspections to ensure acceptable quality.
Maintain a tidy work area and perform assigned sanitation tasks.
Deliver first-day safety orientation for new hires.
Recommend process and procedural improvements that support company goals.
Verify that all scheduled personnel are present, fit for duty, and effectively performing their tasks.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment within the department and across other functions.
Train new employees and monitor their progress, including Safety, HACCP, and Food-Safety protocols.
Serve as the acting supervisor when the supervisor is absent.
Lead monthly safety meetings and participate in plant-wide communication sessions.
Work safely at all times, adhering to all company safety requirements.
Ensure GMP, food-safety, quality, and safety standards are continuously met, taking or following up on corrective actions when deficiencies occur.
Apply company policies and handbook rules consistently (e.g., attendance, safety).
Maintain compliance with HACCP requirements and AIB Gold Standard criteria.
Confirm all food-safety principles and legal requirements are effectively applied.
Flexibly work various shifts, including holidays and weekends, as business needs dictate.
Perform other duties as assigned.