Quality Assurance Product Coordinator

Company Description

Come join a growing team! FOODMatch is searching for a Quality Assurance Product Coordinator to join our Quality Assurance team focusing on new product development.

FOODMatch is a producer and importer of Mediterranean specialty foods with a focus on olives, antipasti, and ingredients. Founded in 1996, FOODMatch is a producer and importer of Mediterranean specialty foods with a distinct expertise in traditionally and responsibly crafted olives, antipasti, spreads, sauces, and ingredients. FOODMatch plays an integral role in ensuring the quality of our products. The FOODMatch difference begins in the fields and groves.

We are vertically integrated with our partners to ensure that each step along the production chain is completed to meticulous standards: from irrigation and pruning, to harvesting, sorting and stuffing by hand, to expertly curing and preserving, we ensure each ingredient delivers its natural flavor, color, and texture. Simply put, no detail is spared.

Through the hands of our growers we create great tasting, responsibly produced, authentic foods that nurture community and enhance your quality of life.

Job Description

The QA/Product Coordinator is a member of the Quality Assurance Team; responsible for collecting, reviewing, approving, and maintaining product and packaging specifications. They oversee the review of all product samples entering the FM office, (existing and potential products). They manage the QA set-up process for all items in development ensuring that all required information is collected and approved prior to the first order.

Essential Functions

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Collects, reviews, and approves specifications for new products from suppliers
• Helps suppliers as needed with packaging, labeling, coding, etc.
• Saves, files, organizes product related documentation received from partner suppliers, labs, etc.
• Handles various specification/product related customer requests
• Creates and updates spec sheets for all products; confirms product labels match specification
• Manages timeline for each product in development
• Partners with our Marketing Dept. on label creation for new items, providing technical information and ensuring compliance with FDA/regulatory requirements
• Manages enrollment and compliance of claims and certifications (non-GMO project, gluten free, vegan, etc.)
• Creates nutritional panels, collecting data from partner suppliers or labs

ASSISTS WITH PRODUCT TESTING PROGRAM

• Leads weekly review of products with Sampling Team and maintains records of the results
• Sets up, participates in, and documents review/tasting of potential/competitive products
• Tests first shipment of new products against specifications
• Monitors and tests products that have history of quality problems
• Test samples of 'new crop' products, sometimes traveling to facilities to do so
• Conducts in-house shelf life studies
• Reviews supplier quality reports/production records for key items; identifies lots that require review/approval
• Arranges shipping and testing of samples of products for which quality concerns are reported

PREVENTING AND INVESTIGATING PRODUCT QUALITY CONCERNS

• Assists with investigation of quality issues reported by customers on recently launched products
• Visits warehouse as needed to collect samples or investigate issues

Qualifications

Background Requirements

• BS/STEM degree preferred
• 2+ years of experience in quality assurance or food production role
• 2+ years of experience in product development or project management role
• Understanding of SSOP's, GMP's and HACCP/PCQI training/certification is preferred

Skill & Ability Requirements

• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, high pressure environment
• Extremely organized with excellent attention to detail
• Able to move and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Able to quickly adjust priorities and handle unexpected & time sensitive requests
• To truly succeed at FOODMatch, you need to have a passion for food. The successful candidate will be eager to learn the intricacies and unique attributes of our product line

Location/Travel Requirements

• This role requires minimal travel (