Sensory Tech

Overview JOB SUMMARY: Leads sensory panels and compiles the results of sensory analysis of finished product as required to ensure compliance with company, customer, and product specifications, safety, food security and sanitation standards. Backfills a variety of general microbiological testing and procedures. Responsibilities ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Sensory Develops, implements, and manages Sensory procedures and techniques to ensure compliance with quality standards. Schedules and conducts sensory panels on finished products. Compiles sensory data to ensure compliance with product quality standards. Notifies management of any trends or results outside of release limits. Attends product cuttings at customer or other outside sensory evaluation centers, where required. Some travel is required. Oversees the target/reference sample program, which requires monitoring the samples selected for target/reference use, sending samples to customers for target selection, and providing samples to other liquid suppliers within the system. Performs analytical and sensory testing for shelf-life studies on new products and at customer's request. Compiles data for the shelf-life reports, and keeps management and/or the product development group apprised of results. Responsible for records, logs of test data, reports, specifications, and other quality procedures to ensure availability of accurate and thorough information. Assists in customer concern investigations, including evaluation of retains, returned product, and raw materials to help determine concern validity and investigate root cause. Conducts sensory training for internal panelists. Works with the training department to ensure correct personnel receive initial and annual refresher training for continued compliance with internal and customer programs. Works with product development on applicable sensory tests, finished product sensory specifications, and other related activities, where required. Adheres to safety, health and environmental standards of the facility. Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary. Microbiology Ensure all finished products are microbiologically tested in a timely manner. Reviews and analyzes suspect environmental swabs and aids with any investigations. Oversees Enviromap and ensures all procedures requirements are followed. Develops, implements, and manages Microbiological procedures and techniques to ensure compliance with quality standards. Performs finished microbiological testing to ensure all results are within specification & notifies QA management when not in compliance and assists in investigation and resolution of issues. Prepares microbiological media as needed. Routinely interacts with QA technicians and supervisors to ensure finished product samples are collected per established schedules. Maintains records and logs of tests, and other quality procedures to ensure availability of accurate and thorough information. Responsible for the inventory control of Microbiological supplies. Collects environmental and micro samples as necessary. Supports sample collection for SSOP's validation. Calibrate and maintain testing equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of QA procedures. Collaborates with other GSF plants on micro-related issues. Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to: Education/Certification: BS or MS in food science, microbiology, or related, from an accredited college or university. Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience, with an understanding of food safety and regulations. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert): Food safety concepts and techniques (B) Food chemistry (B) Food microbiology (J) Quality assurance concepts and techniques (J) HACCP programs and related food safety regulations and processes (B) Food processing equipment (B) Food testing concepts and techniques (J) Raw materials/product interaction (B) Sensory Analysis / Evaluation (J) PC word processing/spreadsheet software (B) Skill and ability to: Work independently To perform sensory evaluations Read and process written information with a high degree of accuracy Perform a variety of food safety tests Work in a laboratory environment (some lifting of product cases may be required) Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service