Job Summary:
The Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of product quality in accordance with industry regulations and company policies. This role ensures compliance with GMP, SQF, HACCP, FDA, and State regulations through auditing, verification of Certificates of Analysis (COAs), microbiological testing, and adherence to food safety protocols. The analyst will conduct case audits, mock recalls, self-inspections, and collaborate with operations, sanitation, and maintenance teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and uphold a culture of excellence.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Food Safety & Quality Assurance:
- Conduct regular audits and inspections of production areas to ensure compliance with GMP, SQF, HACCP, and FDA standards.
- Verify that raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products meet established quality specifications.
- Monitor production lines for proper sanitation and allergen control practices.
- Perform in-process and finished product testing, including weight checks, temperature checks, and label verification.
- Conduct ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and APC (Aerobic Plate Count) testing to assess hygiene and microbial load.
- Execute swabbing procedures for Listeria, Salmonella, and coliforms in production areas.
- Collect and submit samples for microbiological and analytical testing.
- Monitor compliance with food safety protocols, escalating issues to the QA Supervisor as needed.
Operational Support & Collaboration:
- Work closely with Operations, Packaging, Sanitation, and Maintenance teams to resolve quality-related issues in real-time.
- Participate in daily production meetings to align quality goals with operational targets.
- Plan and execute mock recall exercises to assess the effectiveness of recall procedures.
- Analyze results from mock recalls to identify areas for improvement.
- Provide training sessions on quality assurance processes as needed.
- Ensure proper handling of non-conforming products, coordinating with production for corrective measures.
- Assist in root cause analysis investigations and corrective action implementation.
Documentation & Compliance:
- Maintain accurate and timely records of inspections, audits, and test results.
- Complete necessary reports and documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
- Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and update documentation as needed.
- Support product holds, rework processes, and corrective actions to address quality concerns.
- Prepare reports summarizing findings for management review.
- Assist in training employees on food safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
Continuous Improvement:
- Analyze data from quality assessments to identify trends or areas for improvement within the production process.
- Recommend changes to recipes or processes based on insights from quality data.
- Support the implementation of Lean Manufacturing tools such as 5S and Kaizen within the Quality Assurance department.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Reduction in non-conforming product incidents.
- Compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
- Timely and accurate completion of quality checks and documentation.
- Improvement in first-pass quality and reduction of customer complaints.
Educational & Experience Requirements:
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years' experience in quality assurance within the food industry.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred.
- Strong knowledge of food safety regulations including HACCP, SQF standards, and microbiological testing methods.
Technical Skills:
- Ability to use quality testing equipment and interpret test results.
- Experience with ERP systems is an asset but not mandatory.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other computer-based applications.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English (written and oral); bilingual (English & Spanish) is a plus.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Must be willing/able to perform duties in a food manufacturing environment, adhering to all food safety protocols.
- Ability to stand for 8-10 hours as required.
- Ability to walk up and down stairs frequently.
- Exposure to bakery atmosphere, including loud noises, strong smells, and flour dust.
- Ability to hear machinery malfunctions, alarms, and emergency announcements.
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs., frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.