Quality Assurance Technologist

Joining King’s Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you’re excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!

The Quality Assurance Technologist serves as senior QA technical resource and liaison between departments, who reports directly to the QA Supervisor and dotted line to the QA Manager. The critical technical functions of the position are to assist the QA Management to execute projects, develop, implement, maintain, provide training on and ensure effectiveness of site food safety and quality functions. The individual must have a quality conscious attitude with emphasis towards a teamwork approach to accomplish project goals and implement solutions to problems. The individual will work independently, be able to multitask, detail oriented, and have good decision-making skills based on the quality process from the beginning of manufacturing to the end. The individual will continually seek to improve oneself and provide technical information to other departments.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Perform routine raw material and finished product QA/C functions as assigned by QA Management, which include but are not limited to the following:
• Process audit Laboratory QA/C testing and equipment calibration Product sensory evaluation Execute non-conformance product protocol (i.e., Hold)
• Assure compliance with food safety and quality standards throughout all operations and processes by conducting process/system audits, developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Assist SQF Practitioner to ensure SQF certification compliance by performing validation audit, updating and developing food safety protocols
• Collect, review, interprets, verify and analyze process QA/C data to identify process improvement opportunities. 
• Participate in departmental and cross-functional continuous improvement projects as assigned by QA Manager.
• Assist QA Management to determine root causes for food safety and quality related issues, develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Assist QA Management to generate and to issue food safety and quality reports.
• Serve as senior technical resource for QA Technicians and other Operations personnel.
• Train new QA Technicians as required by QA Management.
• Perform other relevant duties assigned by QA Management.
• Actively participate to assure cross-functional issues are resolved and site concerns are addressed.
• Advises the QA and site Management of quality issues in a timely manner.
• Places on hold items that do not meet the specifications such as incoming material, work in process, and or finished goods.  Presents reasons for retention and recommends possible solution to the issue.
• Inspects and calibrates equipment used in the lab.  Report non-compliance findings and recommends next step solutions to QA and site Management on a timely manner.
• Monitors and enforces GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), and other employee safety, food safety and quality programs throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Informs, advises and updates company management of all quality related issues.
• Reviews, interprets, verifies, and summarizes data collected from other departments.  Reports any deficiencies to QA Management in a timely manner.
• Responsible to generate relevant reports and conduct periodic internal site inspections.
• Assists QA Supervisor on various projects.
• Conducts SQF, GMP and other Food Safety and Quality trainings.
• Responsible for CCP verifications
• Responsible for Quality and Food Safety functions as assigned and outlined in Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program.
• Responsible for reporting all quality and food safety concerns/issues to QA.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology or other related technical field.
• 2 – 3 years of QA/QC experience in food manufacturing or related fields

• Strong working knowledge of common food QA/C laboratory methods.

• Strong working knowledge HACCP and pre-requisite programs. 
• Demonstrated working knowledge of current SQF Food Safety Program, BRC certification, or other GFSI certification requirements.
• Hands-on GMP / Food Safety / Quality System audit experience.
• Familiar with current food regulatory requirements and standards such as those of cGMP
• Demonstrates problem solving skills.
• Able to effectively communicate verbally as well as in writing; demonstrate ability to write effective technical procedures and reports; bilingual in English / Spanish is preferred.
• Able to take on projects with minimum supervision, complete tasks in a proficient manner, and work as a team
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively in team based and fast paced environment.
• Demonstrates effective project management and/or execution skills.
• Demonstrates intermediate to advanced computer skills:  MS Excel / Word / Outlook.
• Able and willing to work flexible schedule.

Desired Personal Traits

• Team player with good communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, takes initiative, and able to lead and follow.
• Critical and independent thinker.
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to handle an ever-changing work environment.
• Have a “can-do” attitude and be open to constructive feedback and coaching
• Committed to continuous improvement of self and team
• Strong organizational skills; results oriented; tenacious; creative.

Note: This position description indicates the critical features of the role as they are presently envisioned. They are subject to change at any time due to business conditions or other reasons. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Compensation Range: $24.00-$36.00 per hour

King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.