The Krusteaz Company is looking for a Second Shift Quality Technician to join our Effingham team! The Quality Assurance Technician position is responsible for addressing routine quality assurance issues and maintaining standards for quality in the processing of products by testing and auditing raw materials, finished goods, and food production lines. This technical position assures regulatory compliance, product safety and product quality.

Essential Functions: Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

• Pulls and tests blended product samples for performance to company quality standards using appropriate sensory and/or analytical tools.
• Performs tests on and samples raw materials for production use.
• Maintains samples of controls, raw materials and organization of the storage room.
• Determines product acceptability based on experience with product, specifications, knowledge of customer and consideration of food safety and labeling issues.
• Conducts first case/line audits (including random audits) to verify a variety of requirements such as correct packaging, labeling, codes, unit weights, and processing parameters.
• Conducts monthly food safety audits of the entire plant based on the food safety audit program.
• Assists with other audits as needed.
• Accurately records observations and test results.
• Manages the filing, organization, storage and archiving of production documents.
• Follows prescribed lab testing procedures, including the use of all QA equipment.
• Has a basic understanding of computer systems used at Krusteaz and has a moderate understanding and can use and Microsoft suite programs.
• Can perform data entry into a computer.
• Audit’s production batch tickets and proactively reacts to potential information discrepancies.
• Understands and follows hold and rework procedures including inventory management, material disposition process, and license printing procedures.
• Places product on hold when an issue arises.
• Capable of writing dispositions, investigations
• Exercises basic troubleshooting, problem solving and decision-making skills to resolve quality issues.
• Serves as an effective resource to the manufacturing team and other internal customers.
• Ensures compliance with GLP’s, GMP’s, HACCP, third party audits and other state/federal regulations.
• Has an understanding of the prerequisite food safety programs to support the BRC certification.
• Performs calibrations on various types of pieces of equipment, including but not limited to lab equipment, production equipment and chemical dilutions.
• Performs special projects and participates in continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Performs lab master sanitation and cleaning tasks.
• Participates in annual companywide technical skill testing.
• Attends daily meetings as needed.
• Performs customer complaint investigations and testing as needed.

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must be able to communicate in English with team members and supervisors through various channels, including radio, email and in-person interactions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Practice open and effective communication with all members of the department and throughout the plant.
• Demonstrate initiative and self-direction in planning, organizing, documenting, and solving problems.
• Understands and uses computer software, including MS Office, inventory management, and other proprietary and database software.
• Capable of complete and accurate documentation and record keeping.
• Ability to develop quality system documents.
• Strong math, reading, sensory, technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Enjoyment of baking.
• Strong attention to detail and standardized procedures.
• Ability to work without direction supervision, troubleshoot, problem solve, multi-task and prioritize activities under pressure.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associates degree in a science-related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Two years’ experience in quality control or food processing preferred.

Attendance:

Consistently demonstrates regular and reliable attendance by reporting to scheduled shifts and appropriately managing the use of time off. Works overtime and alternative shifts as needed.

Quality and Safety:

Follows procedures to ensure all food quality standards are met or exceeded. Must also produce quality work measured by efficiency, accuracy, and completion of both personal and company goals in a manner that embodies CM values and our culture of integrity, dignity and respect.

Employees are required to conduct their work in a safe and legal manner, according to all GMP food safety standards as well as following all compliance and CM safety protocols. Employees must be willing to be responsible for their safety and health as well as the safety and health of all employees, vendors and visitors.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

This position requires working in both manufacturing and office environments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone along with reaching. Specific vision abilities include close vision requirements due to computer work. Moderate noise, ability to work in a confined area, and ability to sit at a computer for an extended period of time are also included. Must be able to effectively communicate and work in a dynamic environment. You may also be on your feet for several hours a day and may be exposed to a variety of physical demands that require you to lift heavy objects, climb stairs, exert energy, bend, twist and squat and use tools and equipment in an indoor production environment that has a high level of food dust and limited climate control while wearing PPE.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit our employees nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the company.

The policy of The Krusteaz Company is to hire, train, and promote all persons in all job groups in accordance with law, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital or military status, national origin, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.

Get to know us:

• A people-focused company that cares​: We’re a 90-year-old company with the entrepreneurial spirit of a startup and a focused eye on the future. As a midsized, privately held company with a portfolio of beloved food and beverage brands, our people are the most important ingredient in our success.
• A valued and supported workforce​: We place tremendous value in our employees and provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to ensure our employees can create the best life for themselves. Benefits include a top tier health insurance plan with lower-than-average employee cost share, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and more.
• An engaged and energized culture​: At The Krusteaz Company, collaboration and ingenuity drive our fierce commitment to creating extraordinary product experiences that people love.
• A place to grow and make a difference: An entrepreneurial spirit has been at the core of our company since the beginning, attracting self-starters who are curious and love to learn and to share ideas.

Benefits: We are proud to offer generous benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (starting at $60-$95/month for employee-only coverage on the PPO Plan or starting at $30-$45/month for employee-only coverage on the HDHP), 401(K) matching, 3 weeks of paid time off, 10 paid holidays, 1 paid personal holiday, company provided life insurance and disability insurance, flexible spending account, healthcare saving account, voluntary accident insurance, voluntary critical illness insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Wage and Hours Information:

Compensation for this role has been determined based on required experience, education, certification, and training. All positions are eligible for additional incentives based on business performance.

• $22.93 per hour + $1.25 shift differential
• Up to a 7% quarterly bonus incentive pay
• Monday-Friday, 2: 00PM-10: 30PM, with possible overtime

Compensation: The pay for this position is pre-determined at $22.93 per hour. Compensation for this role has been determined based on required experience, education, certification, and training. All positions are eligible for additional incentives based on business performance.

We hope you'll take the time to get to know us!

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.