QA, Food Technician

Summary Quality Assurance Technician

The Quality Assurance Technician adds value to the retailer’s overall program objectives through the management and implementation of quality assurance practices such as product monitoring and evaluation, customer feedback programs and supplier standards. S/he will be required to lead and manage the timely evaluations of products (organoleptic, chemical, physical, microbiological) and also conduct submission of any formal regulatory applications in support of the private brands program to ensure retailer compliance.

The role manages relationships with retailer cross‑functional teams, customers and manufacturers. S/he will also be expected to regularly review and provide adjustments to current processes and procedures to maximize efficiencies.

Job Will Remain Open Until Filled

The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the team on the development, implementation and administration of Quality Assurance operational procedures, policies, programs and systems.
• Lead the overall product development process and maintenance of the on‑site sensory test kitchen – independently conduct specialized technical testing for organoleptic, physical, chemical, microbiological of food and non‑food products.
• Independently lead and contribute to customized private label quality assurance testing program for specific products or clients.
• Lead the day‑to‑day management of their assigned retailer’s customer feedback programs for private brands.
• Resolve issues or concerns regarding current product quality and recommend solutions for corrective action with vendor.
• Audit critical categories for quality integrity and food safety.
• Design, execute, and analyze results from consumer tests and sensory evaluations of private label brand and competitive brand products.
• Compile federal and state regulations for products and packaging.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports.

Indirect Reports:
Does not have direct reports, but may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports.

Travel and/or Driving Requirements

Travel is not an essential duty and function of this job. Driving is an essential duty or function of this job.

Minimum Qualifications Education Level: (Required) Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience Field of Study/Area of

Experience:

Food Science or related fields such as biology, chemistry, nutrition, etc. Experience Requirements: 2–4 years of experience.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong written & verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement.
• Well organized, detail oriented, and able to handle fast‑paced work environment.
• Flexible & adaptable, able to change & alter according to changes in projects or business environment.
• Knowledge of generally accepted practices, procedures & standard policy & procedure development techniques.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, & prepare reports.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, & web browsers.

Environmental & Physical Requirements Office / Sedentary requirements:
Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed primarily in an office, kitchen, and lab environment. Typically requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time (66%+ each day), ability to hear telephone, ability to enter data on a computer and may require the ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Additional Information Regarding Advantage Solutions Job Duties and…