Raw Material Audit Technician

As a Raw Material Audit Technician at Sysco Specialty Meat Group, your main responsibilities involve evaluating raw materials to ensure they meet specified quality standards. This includes physically and visually assessing attributes like color, size, and defects. Additionally, you'll handle any claims for products that don't meet specifications, requiring effective communication with suppliers, FSQA, and the Accounting Department. Employee training on FSQA policies related to raw material auditing will also be part of your role.

To qualify for the Raw Material Audit Technician position at Sysco Specialty Meat Group, candidates should ideally have a high school diploma, with further education preferred. Experience between one to three years in the meat or seafood industry, specifically in a federal CFIA or FDA processing plant, is highly regarded. Knowledge of product specifications and previous experience in quality assurance or quality control are desirable qualifications for this role.

The work environment for a Raw Material Audit Technician at Sysco Specialty Meat Group involves frequent exposure to various conditions, including fumes, airborne particles, and refrigeration. You will work in production settings which may include moderate to loud noise levels and occasional high-stress scenarios. Safety is a priority, and the necessary precautions will be taken to ensure a safe working environment even when performing tasks that require physical demands like lifting and visual inspections.

A Raw Material Audit Technician at Sysco Specialty Meat Group will benefit from strong communication skills, especially for writing reports and presenting information effectively. Basic mathematical skills are essential for measuring and evaluating products accurately. Experience with lab equipment, food preparation tools, and the use of computers will also enhance performance in this role. Any knowledge of TQM principles or sensory analysis training will serve as an added advantage.

Sysco Specialty Meat Group emphasizes comprehensive training and support for Raw Material Audit Technicians through structured employee training programs on FSQA policies and procedures. Technicians can expect guidance from experienced colleagues and collaboration with various departments to facilitate supervision and quality assurance. This culture enables employees to thrive and effectively contribute to the quality and safety of raw materials.

In answering this question, highlight specific roles you've held in quality assurance and any relevant training or certification you've acquired. Discuss key responsibilities and how you ensured compliance with safety standards, focusing on measurable outcomes and improvements you've made in previous positions.

Describe the techniques and standards you follow when assessing product quality. Emphasize your understanding of product specifications, the visual and physical aspects you evaluate, and how you document findings. Show familiarity with quality evaluation protocols and any relevant software tools you may have used.

Discuss the steps you take when encountering discrepancies, including verification of your findings, communication with suppliers, and submission of claims. Mention your approach to documenting issues and following up with the responsible parties to ensure resolution and compliance with standards.

Discuss the importance of teamwork in the context of this role. Highlight how collaboration with FSQA, Merchandising, and other departments helps maintain quality standards. Mention examples where you successfully worked in a team to solve a problem or improve processes.

Explain your strategies for staying informed about the latest regulations and best practices in the food safety sector. This may include attending workshops, subscribing to relevant journals, joining professional organizations, or online courses that focus on food safety and quality assurance.

In response, outline the key components you would include in a training session, such as interactive discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and visual aids. Mention your approach to engaging employees and ensuring they comprehend the importance of FSQA policies and their application in daily workflows.

Discuss your time management skills and how you assess the urgency and importance of each task. Provide examples of tools or techniques you use to keep organized, ensuring that all essential duties are completed accurately and on time.

Explain your familiarity with compliance audits, including your involvement in preparing for audits, your role during the audit process, and how you addressed any findings. Provide specific examples of your contributions and any outcomes that resulted from your efforts.

In this response, describe specific challenges you encountered, such as product recalls or compliance issues, and the steps you took to resolve them. Highlight your problem-solving skills, your ability to work under pressure, and any lessons learned that improved future processes.

Share your passion for food safety and quality assurance, and articulate what draws you to Sysco Specialty Meat Group specifically. Mention aspects of the company's reputation, culture, and values that resonate with your professional goals and ideals.