Quality Assurance Area Specialist

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Area Specialist is instrumental in the areas of equipment management, overseeing processes, and Quality Management Systems. Your role will entail providing deep expertise, guidance, and leadership with maintaining equipment, and determining solutions for any quality or food safety initiatives.  Your role will be pivotal in advancing our mission to deliver efficient, safe, and innovative finished goods to our customers.

Job Responsibilities

Safety: Ensure all Quality Assurance equipment and systems meet Heartlands safety program standards, and industry best practices. Conduct regular safety inspections, report hazards, and promote a culture of safety among team members.

Expertise Sharing: Share comprehensive knowledge of testing equipment and mixing/batching technologies with cross-functional teams, ensuring a thorough understanding of system architecture, capabilities, and applications. Monitor equipment performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform routine maintenance. Collaborate with technical support for equipment upgrades and software updates. Provide guidance and training to Quality Assurance personnel on equipment operations and maintenance.

System Design and Integration: Support the design and integration process of Quality Assurance equipment systems for various departments, including assessing customer needs, selecting appropriate technologies, and overseeing implementation.

Training: Assist with the development and delivery of training programs for all departments to enhance their understanding of our equipment technologies, maintenance, troubleshooting, quality policies, and procedures.

Innovation: Stay current with emerging trends and advancements in Quality Assurance systems and equipment technologies. Proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation. 

Troubleshooting:  Act as a point of contact for resolving complex technical issues related to QA/Mixing/Batching equipment, Quality Systems, providing guidance and recommendations for efficient solutions.

Performance Optimization: Analyze data and performance metrics from equipment operations, identify areas for improvement, and work collaboratively to optimize system efficiency. Perform micro sampling and platting. Verification, calibration, and maintenance of syrup room equipment to ensure accurate results.  Able to perform, verify, and assist blending syrup batches for multiple flavors, including carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.  Inventory and control raw goods needed to build syrup batches in accordance with the production schedule. Orders chemicals, lab supplies, and concentrates as needed to support production. Updates SAP with syrup usage data.

Documentation: Review daily documentation from employees and their line quality checks.  Ensures all quality checks, food safety regulations, start-ups, safety operations, etc. are being followed consistently and accurately. Monitor and report on any inconsistencies in employee documentation to the QA Manager. Isolate products that do not meet standards and report non-conformities to plant management.

Collaboration: Collaborate with department leaders, plant engineers, and customers to ensure successful execution, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree is preferred.  A minimum of one year of work experience is required.
• Prior experience in Food Quality Assurance; production experience or demonstrated proficiency in Quality Systems may substitute for the QA experience.
• Beverage industry experience is a plus.
• Technical Certification preferred. (Certification focus on Food or Environmental Safety)
• Analytical thought process; strong attention to detail with organizational skills.
• Familiarity with lab safety and handling of hazardous materials. Ability to read, write, and speak English to properly understand and relay important safety and quality information.
• Capable of establishing and maintaining excellent cross-functional relationships.
• Must be able to take initiative and work independently at times and open to flexible schedule.
• Excellent in basic math skills. Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and SAP. Ability to comprehend quality software databases.
• Working knowledge of following principles: Continuous Improvement, LEAN, Six Sigma, 5S, Food Safety, Environmental and Plant Safety Programs.