Software Quality Assurance Analyst jobs in Hickory, NC

Utz Quality Foods is seeking a QA Supervisor/SQF Practitioner to join our team in King's Mountain, NC. This role is responsible for oversight and implementation of the Utz quality and food safety programs at the site. The individual will drive all aspects of food safety and quality systems, regulatory requirements, industry audits, product identity, disposition of non-conforming product, and standards adherence within the operation. This role includes management of the on-site QA laboratory including direct reports, routine sampling and testing, product evaluation, retain samples, equipment maintenance and calibration, and product qualification.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree and 3-5 years in food manufacturing. HACCP and SQF Practitioner certifications are required, a PCQI certification is strongly preferred. Candidates must have strong leadership and communication skills as well as the ability to balance priorities and manage multiple projects.

Quality Assurance Supervisor/SQF Practitioner:

• Manage a team of direct reports including QA Lab Technicians across all shifts
• Supports plant management in resolving non-conforming product or compliance issues
• Assists in development and implementation of QA systems where needed; supports R&D functions before, during, and after commercialization
• Responsible for lab testing methods and lab equipment data. Reviews quality and food safety data and responds appropriately to out of specification results or trends
• Works closely with facility leadership to foster a positive quality and food safety culture and support personnel safety and continuous improvement efforts
• Serves as SQF practitioner, HACCP coordinator, and FSMA expert for the facility; leads a cross-functional Food Safety Team
• Liaison for USDA inspector on site
• Manages the development, implementation and training of food safety and regulatory programs
• Oversite of the SQF program including but not limited to adherence to SQF code requirements, document and record management, monthly leadership meetings, verification, and validation activities
• Works with management and fellow associates to ensure adherence to food safety programs
• Escalates food safety and quality issues to Utz leadership as needed

Requirements:

• Requires 3 to 5 years' experience in food manufacturing; Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Experience with HACCP/HARPC programs; HACCP/PCQI certification strongly preferred
• SQF Practitioner certified preferred but not required
• Experience managing and working in cross functional teams.
• Leadership experience in preparing for and leading teams through third party audits.
• Experience integrating statistical process control methods
• Able to balance priorities and manage multiple projects on an on-going basis
• Able to effectively listen, communicate and interface across all organizational levels
• Able to maximize teamwork philosophies and achievements

Spreading Joy Through Food!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for food that our associates enjoy creating, our customers value selling, and our consumers love eating. Our renowned family of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. We provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We believe it is important to help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join OneUtzTeam and help us spread joy through food for generations to come!

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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