Quality Lead (Night Shift)

About Aurora Organic Dairy Aurora Organic Dairy is committed to delivering organic dairy integrity, from cow to carton, to everyone, everywhere. Guided by our focus on animals, people, and planet, we produce high-quality organic dairy products while caring for our cows, supporting our employees, investing in our communities, and operating with responsible stewardship. Our team is driven by values that include organic commitment, compassion, teamwork, excellence, transparency, entrepreneurial thinking, and stewardship. At AOD, every role contributes to meaningful work that supports safe, high-quality food, a respectful workplace, and a more sustainable future.

• PURPOSE:

The Quality Lead is responsible for in-process and finished product quality testing, maintaining accurate and complete records and alerting management to any potential quality issues. The Quality Lead is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the shift in areas of quality, safety and lab operations.

• ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

All plant personnel have the responsibility to monitor and report any deviations from our Food Safety and Food Quality (HACCP & SQF) programs to your immediate supervisor/manager.

• Responsible for in-process and finished product quality microbiological and chemical testing.
• Responsible for performing process control testing in a manufacturing environment.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory testing result records.
• Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Laboratory Practices and Safety Procedures.
• Cultivate a positive and innovative work environment.
• Ensure data accuracy for reporting purposes and perform Quality Designee review of documentation.
• Provide lab technician training and oversight for daily lab practices and procedures.
• Provide supervisory coverage in the absence of QA Management.
• Order supplies, as needed and within the boundaries of annual budget.
• Train to support and facilitate all Quality M3 Protocols to include but not limited to Three Step Put Away, Hold & Release, and Production Run Tracking and Analysis.
• Responsible for troubleshooting and supporting lab instrument repair and maintenance tasks.
• Serve as an initial point of contact for plant Quality issues, collect needed information, and disperse needed information effectively and concisely so that appropriate decisions can be made by members of upper management to minimize and mitigate issues.

3. OTHER REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Laboratory testing result data entry.
• Other quality department responsibilities as deemed necessary.
• Maintain proficiency in lab and reporting methods and innovations.

4. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS:

Analysis Skills Judgment/Decision Making Organization/Planning

Coaching Training & Development Team Player

5. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Manufacturing, Food Science, Microbiology and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience in dairy laboratory testing procedures required.
• Proficient in computer spreadsheet and word-processing programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and able to interpret and manipulate information generated.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing methods.
• Detail oriented and team member with a strong, honest work ethic and an ability to handle multiple tasks daily.
• Ability to effectively interact with and provide instruction to QA laboratory employees.
• Ability to write procedures and perform sound document management practices.
• Self-motivated and a self-starter.

6. Physical Requirements: Describe the specific physical requirements needed for this position.

Must be able to sit for extended periods of time; Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time; Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel or crawl; reach grasp and lift up to 25lbs regularly and up to 50lbs occasionally.

EEOC Aurora Organic Dairy is an equal opportunity employer. The company prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants and employees based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The company also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, consistent with applicable law.