Food Quality Assurance Lead- Afternoon Shift!

The Food Quality Assurance Lead at Shearer’s plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of quality and safety in our food manufacturing processes. Responsibilities include supporting the Quality Supervisor in daily operations, ensuring compliance with GMPs and FDA regulations, troubleshooting equipment issues, training team members, and coordinating daily activities to meet production goals.

Candidates for the Food Quality Assurance Lead position at Shearer’s generally need an Associate's degree or equivalent experience in QA coordination or leadership within a food manufacturing environment. Additionally, prior experience with auditing, certification in PCQI, and knowledge of quality systems and Microsoft Office, especially Excel, are preferred.

The Food Quality Assurance Lead role at Shearer’s operates on an Afternoon Shift from 3 PM to 11 PM, as well as a Night Shift from 11 PM to 7 AM. This position may also involve a combination swing shift coverage as needed to meet production demands.

Shearer’s is committed to the development of its employees, providing training and support to Food Quality Assurance Leads to ensure they can perform their roles effectively. This includes helping you learn about quality and sanitation systems, equipment troubleshooting, and continuous improvement processes.

At Shearer’s, Food Quality Assurance Leads enjoy a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability plans, retirement savings plans with matching, and an employee assistance program. Employees also have access to paid time off after 90 days of employment.

To ensure compliance with GMPs and FDA regulations, I prioritize understanding the guidelines thoroughly and conduct regular audits to identify potential areas of non-compliance. I also emphasize team training on these regulations and create an open channel for reporting issues to maintain a culture of safety and accountability.

In my previous roles in quality assurance within food manufacturing, I have conducted routine inspections, participated in audits, and designed training programs for team members. My hands-on experience has equipped me with a keen eye for detail and an understanding of how to effectively handle quality challenges.

I employ techniques such as the '5 Whys' and fishbone diagrams to systematically analyze production issues. By identifying the underlying causes, I can implement corrective actions and prevent future occurrences, ensuring continual compliance and quality.

Handling conflicts within a team requires strong communication and listening skills. I encourage open discussions to understand each person’s perspective and work collaboratively to find a mutually agreeable solution, fostering a team environment built on respect and understanding.

When training new team members, I adopt a hands-on approach that combines demonstration and shadowing. This method allows them to learn in a supportive environment while I provide continuous feedback and ensure they feel confident in their understanding of quality procedures.

One time, I noticed a recurring safety issue with equipment placement that posed a risk. I proposed an alternative layout to management, implemented the change, and monitored its impact. As a result, we witnessed a significant decrease in near misses and improved overall safety compliance.

I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact on production goals. Utilizing tools like daily checklists and project management software helps me stay organized and focused, ensuring I can efficiently manage my time while not losing sight of quality and safety.

I am proficient in various software tools including Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel for data analysis and reporting. Additionally, I have utilized quality management systems to track compliance and document processes.

I have participated in HACCP training, where I learned to create and monitor food safety plans. My experience with PCQI has involved conducting assessments and ensuring our practices align with regulatory requirements to protect both product quality and consumer safety.

Teamwork is vital in quality assurance because each team member brings unique insights and expertise. Collaborative efforts enhance problem-solving abilities, promote accountability, and ultimately contribute to a culture of quality where each member feels empowered to uphold standards.