QA Lead

The Quality Assurance Lead is responsible for overseeing daily QA activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining the highest quality of products in a fast-paced food manufacturing plant. This role collaborates closely with production, operations, and QA technicians to ensure that all quality standards are met and continuously improved. The QA Lead also supports training, documentation, and auditing to promote a culture of quality throughout the plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee Quality Assurance Activities: Lead daily QA operations, including inspections, testing, monitoring, and verification to ensure that products meet quality and safety standards.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of QA findings, corrective actions, and process improvements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with production, maintenance, and other departments to troubleshoot and resolve quality issues and communicate effectively with team members to address quality standards.
• Training and Development: Support the training of QA technicians, production staff, and new hires on quality protocols and procedures.
• Audit Support: Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits, addressing non-conformities and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to all plant health and safety guidelines, including food safety regulations, GMPs, HACCP, and other relevant quality systems.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3-5 years in Quality Assurance within a food manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of regulatory standards.
• Certifications: HACCP, SQF, or other food safety certifications preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in data analysis, MS Office, and quality management software. Familiarity with laboratory equipment and testing protocols.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey quality standards and results.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a team with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

Success Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Maintains precision in documentation, inspection, and reporting, ensuring that no critical details are missed in quality checks.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Quickly identifies issues, evaluates potential causes, and collaborates to implement effective solutions.
• Accountability and Dependability: Takes ownership of quality results and follows through on commitments, demonstrating reliability in upholding standards.
• Process Improvement Orientation: Actively seeks ways to improve QA processes and supports a culture of continuous improvement.
• Adaptability: Able to adjust to changing priorities and unexpected challenges within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective Communication: Clearly conveys information to all team members, bridging the gap between departments and fostering a culture of transparency.
• Team Leadership: Guides and supports QA technicians, fostering a collaborative environment where quality is prioritized.

WORK DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this Job it is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, or hear; sit for prolong periods and use hands to finger, handle, lift or feel. Frequent exposure to chilled temperatures within the operations and warehouse environments. Must be able to lift, reach and move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.