QA Food Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

The Quality Assurance Technician adds value to the retailer’s overall program objectives through the management and implementation of quality assurance practices such as product monitoring and evaluation, customer feedback programs and supplier standards. S/he will be required to lead and manage the timely evaluations of products (organoleptic, chemical, physical, microbiological) and also conduct submission of any formal regulatory applications in support of the private brands program to ensure retailer compliance. The role manages relationships with retailer cross-functional teams, customers and manufacturers. S/he will also be expected to regularly review and provide adjustments to current processes and procedures to maximize efficiencies.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate with the team on the development, implementation and administration of Quality Assurance operational procedures, policies, programs and systems.

Lead the overall product development process and maintenance of the on-site sensory test kitchen – Independently conduct specialized technical testing for Organoleptic, Physical, Chemical, Microbiological of food and non-food products.

Independently lead and contribute to customized private label quality assurance testing program for specific products or clients.

Lead the day to day management of their assigned retailer’s customer feedback programs for private brands

Resolve issues or concerns regarding current product quality and recommends solutions for corrective action with Vendor

Audit critical categories for quality integrity and food safety

Design, execute, and analyze results from consumer tests and sensory evaluations of Private Label brand and competitive brand products

Compile federal and state regulations for products and packaging.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports

Indirect Reports
- Does not have direct reports, but may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports

Travel and/or Driving Requirements

- Travel is not an essential duty and function of this job. Driving is an essential duty or function of this job.

Minimum Qualifications The following are the minimum job-related qualifications which an individual needs in order to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.
Education Level: (Required): Associate's Degree or equivalent experience

Field of Study/Area of Experience: Food Science or Related Fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, etc.
2-4 Years of experience

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Strong Written & Verbal Communication Skills
Ability to Exercise Sound Judgement
Well Organized, Detail Oriented, & able to Handle Fast Paced Work Environment
Flexible & Adaptable, able to change & Alter According to changes in Projects or Business Environment
Knowledge of generally accepted practices, procedures, & standard policy & procedure development techniques
Ability to Gather Data, Compile Information, & Prepare Reports
Basic Computer Skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, & web browsers

Job Will Remain Open Until Filled

The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician adds value to the retailer’s overall program objectives through the management and implementation of quality assurance practices such as product monitoring and evaluation, customer feedback programs and supplier standards. S/he will be required to lead and manage the timely evaluations of products (organoleptic, chemical, physical, microbiological) and also conduct submission of any formal regulatory applications in support of the private brands program to ensure retailer compliance. The role manages relationships with retailer cross-functional teams, customers and manufacturers. S/he will also be expected to regularly review and provide adjustments to current processes and procedures to maximize efficiencies.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate with the team on the development, implementation and administration of Quality Assurance operational procedures, policies, programs and systems.

Lead the overall product development process and maintenance of the on-site sensory test kitchen – Independently conduct specialized technical testing for Organoleptic, Physical, Chemical, Microbiological of food and non-food products.

Independently lead and contribute to customized private label quality assurance testing program for specific products or clients.

Lead the day to day management of their assigned retailer’s customer feedback programs for private brands

Resolve issues or concerns regarding current product quality and recommends solutions for corrective action with Vendor

Audit critical categories for quality integrity and food safety

Design, execute, and analyze results from consumer tests and sensory evaluations of Private Label brand and competitive brand products

Compile federal and state regulations for products and packaging.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports

Indirect Reports
- Does not have direct reports, but may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports

Travel and/or Driving Requirements

- Travel is not an essential duty and function of this job. Driving is an essential duty or function of this job.

Minimum Qualifications The following are the minimum job-related qualifications which an individual needs in order to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.
Education Level: (Required): Associate's Degree or equivalent experience

Field of Study/Area of Experience: Food Science or Related Fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, etc.
2-4 Years of experience

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Strong Written & Verbal Communication Skills
Ability to Exercise Sound Judgement
Well Organized, Detail Oriented, & able to Handle Fast Paced Work Environment
Flexible & Adaptable, able to change & Alter According to changes in Projects or Business Environment
Knowledge of generally accepted practices, procedures, & standard policy & procedure development techniques
Ability to Gather Data, Compile Information, & Prepare Reports
Basic Computer Skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, & web browsers

Environmental & Physical Requirements
Office / Sedentary Requirements
Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed primarily in an office, kitchen, and lab environment. Typically, requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time (66%+ each day), ability to hear telephone, ability to enter data on a computer and may require the ability to lift up to 30lbs.

Additional Information Regarding Advantage Solutions Job Duties and Job Descriptions
Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.

Any estimate, schedule, or guideline provided to associates in this job description or elsewhere in connection with their jobs is only intended to help describe job duties and for planning purposes. Regardless of any such estimate, schedule, or guideline, associates must always record all time worked for our company (which includes but is not limited to on-site work time in an assigned store, office, or other work location; required waiting time; administrative time; and work-related travel time).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, the Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.