Receiving Technician

Primary

Purpose:

The Quality Receiving Technician supports the site's food safety and quality programs by performing incoming inspections, sampling, and documentation review for raw materials and packaging. This role verifies that inbound loads meet approved specifications; completes required checks (e.g., condition, labeling, lot codes, temperature where applicable); places materials on hold when requirements are not met; and coordinates timely communication with Quality, Warehouse, Procurement, and Production to protect product integrity and maintain traceability.

Responsibilities:

• Inspect incoming raw materials, ingredients, and packaging for conformance to specifications (e.g., seal integrity, damage, cleanliness, labeling, lot codes, pallet condition, pests/contamination evidence).
• Verify receiving documentation including bills of lading, allergen statements, ingredient declarations, certificates of analysis (COAs), and supplier documentation as required.
• Collect incoming samples using sanitary/aseptic techniques as applicable; label and route samples to the QA lab or approved third-party testing per SOP.
• Perform and document required checks (e.g., temperature of refrigerated loads when applicable, condition of tanker seals, sanitation status of trailers, and load securement).
• Initiate and manage the hold process for nonconforming materials: identify, tag, segregate, and communicate holds; maintain accurate hold logs and disposition records.
• Communicate quality concerns to appropriate stakeholders and support investigation, corrective actions, and supplier complaint documentation as directed.
• Maintain accurate receiving inspection records and data entry in spreadsheets and/or quality systems to support traceability and audit readiness.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety plans (e.g., HACCP/Preventive Controls), and site policies for allergen control, foreign material prevention, and sanitation.
• Support internal and external audits by providing records, demonstrating receiving controls, and participating in corrective action follow-up.
• Assist with training of receiving/warehouse personnel on quality-related receiving requirements and documentation practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including sampling tools and any QA receiving stations, to prevent cross-contamination.
• Perform other quality-related duties as assigned.

Education, Qualities and

Skills Required:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Food manufacturing, warehouse receiving, or quality experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills required (data entry, email, spreadsheets).
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, specifications, and basic quality documentation (e.g., COAs, lot codes, labels).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to make objective pass/fail decisions aligned to specifications.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with cross-functional teams (Warehouse, Production, Procurement, QA).
• Working knowledge (or ability to learn) of GMPs, allergen controls, and food safety/quality systems (e.g., SQF, HACCP/Preventive Controls).
• Understanding of traceability fundamentals: lot coding, receiving documentation, and material segregation.
• Ability to prioritize receiving inspections in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy.
• Basic math skills for counts, weights, and sampling requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and recordkeeping discipline.
• Problem-solving mindset with willingness to escalate issues promptly.
• Team-oriented approach; able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility:

No direct supervision required.

Work Environment:

Refrigerated warehouse environment with temperatures ranging from 30-45 degrees. Also standing at an office-type environment which includes a workstation equipped with a computer and other office supplies necessary for daily tasks. Lighting is usually a mix of natural and artificial sources to ensure sufficient lamination.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is an hourly position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:

1. Sitting/Standing:
Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk or workstation.
2. Typing:
Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
3. Visual Requirements:
Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility:
Walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office and plant warehouse.
5. Manual Dexterity:
The ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, and copiers, and to file documents.
6. Communication:
Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting:
Occasionally lifting and carrying objects, typically up to 50 pounds, such as boxes of manufacturing materials.
8. Reaching…