Quality Control Lead

Basic Function

This position is responsible for compliance with the Company’s Product and Quality Management System Policies, Procedures, and Work Instructions as dictated by SQF, CCOF, Customers, and State / Federal Guidelines. The Quality Control Lead performs daily process of checks ensuring product batch integrity and assists the Quality Assurance Manager in attaining Strategic Company Goals by supplementing their activities by performing duties as listed below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Food Safety & Compliance: Enforce HACCP procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Pest Management, and Prerequisite Programs, reacting quickly to any deviations.
• Audits & Mock Exercises: Conduct internal and external facility/personnel GMP inspections, glass and brittle plastic checks, pest control audits, mock recalls, and food defense/fraud challenges.
• Quality Inspections & Testing: Perform pre-operational, sanitation, raw material, and finished product inspections across all facility areas - including weight, label, package integrity, and random product testing.
• Sample Management: Oversee sample collection, testing, tracking, and the QA Sample Retention Program.
• Equipment & Production Support: Perform and track routine and annual calibrations (scales, water potability, compressed air) and transmit daily production labels to line printers.
• Hold, Release & Inventory: Manage the Non-Conformance Hold and Release Program, integrate daily batch yields for product disposition, and perform restricted ingredient reconciliations.
• Documentation & Data Tracking: Oversee departmental recordkeeping, inventory control labeling, and data-tracking spreadsheets to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Continuous Improvement: Support quality program effectiveness by tracking key metrics through Customer Concern and Corrective Action programs.
• Training & SQF/FSMA Support: Train plant personnel and maintain training records to ensure compliance with SQF, FSMA (PCQI), and customer guidelines.
• Escalation & Reporting: Maintain constant communication with the QA Manager and promptly report any production discrepancies, food safety hazards, or food defense issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Chemistry or related field preferred.
• Three to five (3-5) years’ experience in a quality lab environment.
• Knowledge of quality system programs and GMPs.
• Understanding of manufacturing production line process and testing procedures.
• HACCP Certification required.
• SQF Practitioner required.
• Previous leadership experience is preferred.

Skills

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, and Access) with emphasis on Excel, or other spreadsheet relevant experience.
• Must be self-motivated, proactive and able to work independently as well as a team.
• Able to self-manage and take direction well.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Promote a positive environment where input from team members is valued and encouraged.

Physical Requirments

• Frequently required to talk, hear, and stand.
• Frequently required to walk, climb ladders, type, push, pull, lift, grasp, and smell.
• Occasionally required to move objects weighing up to and including 50 pounds.
• Position requires close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures as well as to read lab equipment and detect product defects.
• Position requires color vision sufficient to differentiate color.

Environment

• Regularly exposed to work near moving parts/equipment.
• Regularly exposed to moderate to severe noise levels.
• Intermittently exposed to outdoor/uncontrolled weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

Note: Valid Driver’s License required for insurance purposes. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of this position at any time. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements, which may change from time to time based on business needs. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compensation Min USD $0.00/Hr. Compensation Max USD $0.00/Hr.