Quality Assurance Technician

Company Information

At Richelieu Foods, we are dedicated to a culture of belonging for everyone. Driven by our values of ownership, respect, and growth, we put people, safety, and quality above all else -- delicious pizza, outstanding service, and solid customer relationships are what happens as a result.

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is a leading national private label and contract packing food manufacturer focused on frozen pizza. We have two manufacturing facilities located in IL and WI. We provide products to many national retailers, wholesalers, distributors, club and mass stores, as well as industrial accounts including other food manufacturers.

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician performs routine daily tasks that ensure the products manufactured meet food safety, regulatory and quality requirements. Various tests are performed, and results are recorded and reported daily. This position offers a wide variety of interactions with all members of the plant team and exposure to the entire manufacturing process. Quality Technician II will be responsible for maintaining USDA requirements and Food Safety requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Conduct daily inspections including pre-operative and Food Safety - ensuring sanitary conditions of the line before start-up. Document and communicate results to Lead Quality Tech.

* Conduct daily operating Inspections to ensure compliance with GMP's and USDA requirements.

* Conduct CCP/CQP checks including hourly metal detector test, temperature verifications, and code date verifications.

* Ensure ATP swab tests are performed daily and weekly on the line; conduct the test when necessary.

* Monitor HACCP Critical Control Point.

* Perform in-bound raw and packaging material checks to ensure customer requirements are met.

* Calibrate Lab Scale, pH meter, salt analyzer.

* Conduct Organic start-up tests including assurance that documentation of no unauthorized cleaner was used, line was triple rinsed and pH 7 on the line.

* Perform Food Safety & Quality Audits - including production room/storage temperature checks, daily operational inspections.

* Change thermometer recorder charts as needed.

* Keep stock of Laboratory and Production supplies as directed and inform supervisor of supply issues.

* Liaison with USDA.

* Implement Code Date Sheets requirements to verify correct expiration/code information on finished product.

* Report and Follow-Up on Food Safety and Food Quality concerns. Stop line for any major findings.

* Lead pizza line coverage checks.

* Notifies Supervisor of all down times.

* Follows and enforces all Food Safety PPE/GMP requirements and reports any concerns.

* Conducts other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

* First line of defense for reporting food safety/food quality issues. Immediately report and provide corrective action for any findings. Collaborate with the proper department to solve issues in real time.

* Maintains good documentation.

* Conducts in-depth observations and monthly audits including Glass and Brittle Plastic audits.

* Performs inventory adjustments as needed for lot code clarifications in our ERP system.

* Able to place products on hold both physically and systematically in our ERP system.

* Performs verification of disposed materials per RFI disposal process.

* Assists during customer complaint investigations; document retrieval, retain retrieval, and sensory/cooking verifications.

* Creates foreign material reports for any internal foreign material findings. Conducts investigation of root cause of the material.

Required Qualifications

* High School Diploma or GED required

* 1-4 years' experience in a manufacturing environment

* Be able to read, write and speak English

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience working in food manufacturing

* Coursework completed in food science, microbiology or related degree

Essential

Skills and Abilities

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written required.

* Strong organizational skills required.

* Ability to interact and to manage conflict in stressful situations while maintaining composure and perspective.

* The ability to identify, define, and solve problems.

* Strong initiative and the ability to work with others to achieve desired results.

* A sense of accountability for results.

* Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

* Ability to work cooperatively and maintain a professional working relationship with employees.

* Ability to read and understand formula sheets.

Working Conditions

* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and power industrial trucks. The employee is frequently exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

* Requires 100% onsite attendance to perform the essential functions of the role.

Physical Demands

* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for the duration of the production shift; talk or hear; use…