SUMMARY Quality Assurance Lead assists with quality related operations and activities as well as the workers performing those jobs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include the following: Other duties may be assigned. * Conduct continuous weight checks on meals and meal components, documenting the results. * Conduct and record start up check line audits. * Adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) set forth in the FDA/USDA regulations. * Monitor, enforce, and document Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s). * Follow all company Standard Operating Procedures in the performance of job functions. Ensure that all Operations employees follow SOP’s. * Monitor and record Metal Detection checks. * Conduct Pre Operational and Operation Inspections. * Perform HACCP checks as specified in HAACCP plans. Document all HACCP checks and corrective actions. * Comply with all FDA and USDA regulations and all legitimate requests of the USDA/FSIS inspectors. * Continuously monitor food safety practices, visual quality standards, conformance to specifications, regulatory compliance, and compliance with company policies. * Monitor and document conformance to BOM’s (Bill of Material), specifications, visual quality standards, and regulatory standards throughout the facility. * Take appropriate corrective actions when a deviation or quality problem occurs. * Follow Hold procedures when placing or removing product from hold. * Collect samples of meals for microbiological analysis and product cuttings. * Other duties as assigned. * Overtime will be required on an as needed basis. * Mathematical skills. * Food Service Experience Preferred REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: Education: * Bachelor's degree, in food or related sciences, preferred. Certifications: * HACCP certification, preferred * PCQI certification, preferred * Seafood HACCP certification, preferred. * Servsafe certification Computer Skills: * Proficient with all computer applications in order to perform the job including MS Word, Excel, Outlook. Preferred Qualifications, Experience and Competencies: * Minimum 3 years' experience as a QA technician, preferably in a USDA inspected facility * Must be able to speak, read and write English. * Experience with enforcing a HACCP Program * Experience in training and mentoring Team members * Experience with basic lab procedures * Good verbal and written communication skills - Knowledge of Spanish a plus * Must be Organized and attentive to details * Must be Self-motivated, have a strong sense of urgency and a bias for action * Must be flexible in challenging and complex work environment while firmly maintaining compliance and upholding standards Required Competencies: * Communication * Effectively write, present and transfer ideas and information for the advancement of individual and company performance. * Customer Focus * Act in the best interest of the customer, both internal and external. * Innovation * Create new ideas, processes or products which when implemented lead to positive effective change. * Organization Leadership * Apply strategic thinking, prioritization and decision-making to drive results. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required Sit, walk, talk and hear * Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. * Be standing on feet majority of the workday in addition to walking back and forth. * Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Lifting while turning side to side is sometimes necessary. * Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Position sometimes requires extended hours including evenings and/or weekends, travel to multiple work sites and occasional out-of-state travel. WORK ENVIRONMENT: * The work is performed in both an office environment as well as in a manufacturing and warehouse environment. * Standing for prolonged periods during the work day is required. * Work requires movement in and out of store rooms, near heavy machinery and freezers * Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. * The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled