The Quality Lead performs administrative and laboratory duties established by the QA Supervisor. This position requires an individual willing to follow all established regulations, company policies, and cross-train in laboratory equipment, methods, procedures, and sensory evaluations.

SKILLS, TRAITS, & COMPETENCIES:

· Leadership experience. Ability to direct others without direct reporting authority

· Good organizational, critical thinking, and planning abilities

· Good communication skills

· Familiar with MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and ERP databases

· High sense of urgency, able to drive projects and tasks to completion

· Collaborative; thrives in a team environment

· Flexibility to work various shifts as production demands require, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Plan/schedule, prioritize, assign, and participate in work for performing laboratory test data.

· Ensure test data (raw material, intermediate, & finished product) is collected, reviewed, entered, and reported; includes HPLC & Chromatograms meet requirements and tolerances.

· Ensures entry of data in company database and Hold log (as applicable) for conforming and non-conforming.

· Report any out of specification result to QA Manager with escalation for corrective Action.

· Supports quality and supply chain management in ensuring that finished product COAs are issued.

· Supports QA management and Production to define quality procedures and frequency of testing and prepares and reviews laboratory SOPs and Lab Test Procedures (LTPs).

· Ensures laboratory staff are adequately trained on quality, food safety and occupational safety & that lab tests, and procedures are properly understood, carried out, and evaluated.

· Supports QA management & Purchasing department in reviewing and updating product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability expectations for raw material (external suppliers), ingredients, intermediate and finished products.

· Coordinates the specialized testing of products at outside accredited laboratories.

· Leads the calibration program with the laboratory and plant.

· Performs preventive maintenance on critical laboratory equipment and works with outside vendors and contractors on specialized equipment servicing.

· Conducts verification, validation and proficiency testing activities on specific assigned laboratory instruments and personnel as applicable.

· Conducts specialized analytical testing when required.

· Monitors laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables for the QC laboratory.

· Assists the QA Manager in laboratory budget preparation, tracking and reporting.

· Supports QA leadership regarding SQF, organic, customer and regulatory and internal audit compliance.

· Provides coverage and support of the laboratory technicians when required.

· Any other reasonable duty assigned by management.

Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or bending

· Visual acuity required to perform inspections

· Climbing stairs and ladders

· Ability to work in high-temperature environments

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance

• Health and Wellness Incentives

• 10 Days of PTO

• 10 Paid Company Holidays

• 5 Personal Days

• 401(k)

• Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)

• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability

• Life Insurance

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)