FSQA Lead - Cherry (Nights)

As an FSQA Lead at Foster Farms, your primary responsibilities include assisting in the enforcement of USDA Regulations, conducting internal audits in collaboration with management, and interfacing with Production Supervisors on production and quality procedures. You will also manage the micro-hold product program and make decisions on product disposition when products do not meet standards, ensuring our commitment to quality is upheld.

To qualify for the FSQA Lead position at Foster Farms, candidates should have at least a high school diploma or GED, along with 1-3 years of experience in food processing. Familiarity with USDA regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and SSOPs is preferred. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in computer applications like Excel, Word, and Outlook are also essential.

FSQA Leads at Foster Farms can expect to work in varying environments, including cold and hot conditions in food processing plants. The role requires standing for long periods (8-12 hours) and the ability to lift weights ranging from 5-50 lbs. It's important to be flexible with shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Foster Farms provides comprehensive training for FSQA Leads, including a detailed company handbook, food safety training before starting work, and refresher sessions annually. This ensures that all team members are well-versed in quality and food safety standards, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

At Foster Farms, we believe in promoting from within. We encourage FSQA Leads to gain experience across different functional groups and offer opportunities for special projects and advancement, fostering a culture of growth and development within the company.

To ensure compliance with USDA regulations, I emphasize thorough training for all team members, conduct regular internal audits, and maintain precise documentation. I believe that clear communication with both the team and USDA personnel is vital for addressing any regulatory issues promptly.

Certainly! In my previous role, I noticed inconsistencies in product quality. I immediately conducted an internal audit, gathered data, and collaborated with the production team to identify the root cause. We implemented corrective actions and monitored the changes, which resulted in improved product quality.

As an FSQA Lead, I prioritize responsibilities by assessing the urgency and impact of tasks. I start with critical compliance-related issues, followed by routine quality checks and audits, ensuring that I leave time for team support and development.

Communication is crucial for ensuring food safety. It facilitates the sharing of information regarding quality concerns, regulatory updates, and operational changes among team members. I foster an open-door policy to encourage conversations about any safety concerns that arise.

I approach conflicts regarding quality standards with openness and a focus on collaboration. I first listen to the team member's perspective, then present my observations. Together, we explore solutions and reinforce our shared goal of upholding our quality standards.

I keep my team motivated by recognizing individual contributions and celebrating team successes. Providing opportunities for skill development and encouraging them to take ownership of their roles also fosters a positive and productive work environment.

To stay updated on changes in regulations affecting food safety, I subscribe to relevant industry newsletters, participate in training sessions, and engage with professional organizations. This continuous learning allows me to adapt our practices as needed.

In my last position, I led a project to streamline our quality reporting system. By implementing new software tools and processes, we reduced reporting time by 30%, allowing faster decision-making and enhancing our overall quality assurance efforts.

The most critical aspects of food safety in production include stringent adherence to protocols, ongoing education and training for staff, and regular audits to assess compliance with quality standards and regulations.

I approach training new team members by combining structured learning with hands-on experience. I provide them with comprehensive training materials, shadowing opportunities, and regular check-ins to ensure they understand the quality procedures and feel confident in their role.