Food Quality Analyst

Flora Food Group; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Flora Food Group in Kansas is seeking a Quality Analyst to join our manufacturing team, ensuring product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance across analytical, sensory, microbiological, and packaging evaluations. You will partner with Production to monitor specs, investigate issues, and drive CAPA and continuous improvement.

The role requires a 2+ year background in food manufacturing quality or lab work, knowledge of HACCP/GMPs, and strong data handling with Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a food manufacturing quality, laboratory, or food safety environment.
• Knowledge of food safety systems, HACCP principles, and GMPs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical and sensory evaluations of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Monitor product specifications, including moisture, salt, pH, sorbate levels, appearance, and sensory attributes.
• Communicate quality findings and recommend corrective actions to support product compliance.
• Support site Food Safety programs and maintain a working knowledge of HACCP and GMP requirements.
• Assist with quality investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA.
• Participate in site quality improvement initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Perform routine laboratory testing according to established procedures and specifications.
• Conduct microbiological sampling and analysis on intermediate and finished products using approved methods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support calibration programs.
• Review, update, and maintain laboratory SOPs.
• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with GLP.
• Inspect packaging materials and finished products to verify compliance with quality standards.
• Monitor package appearance, fill weights, code dates, and other critical quality parameters.
• Verify compliance with weight control standards and support use of the FreeWeigh system.
• Communicate deviations and assist Production teams in resolving quality issues.
• Conduct GMP inspections and internal quality audits.
• Maintain accurate and timely quality documentation, records, and reports.
• Support document control activities and ensure proper record retention.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and other software systems for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist with quality training programs related to GMPs, quality systems, and operating procedures.

Skills

Analytical testing

Data analysis

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: On-Site at our factory in New Century, KS

About the Role

We are seeking a Quality Analyst to join our manufacturing team and help ensure the highest standards of product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance. This role is responsible for conducting analytical, sensory, microbiological, and packaging evaluations of products and materials throughout the manufacturing process. The Quality Analyst partners closely with Production and Operations teams to monitor product specifications, support troubleshooting activities, investigate quality issues, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with food safety systems, quality standards, and customer requirements.

Quality & Food Safety

• Conduct analytical and sensory evaluations of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Monitor product specifications, including moisture, salt, pH, sorbate levels, appearance, and sensory attributes.
• Communicate quality findings and recommend corrective actions to support product compliance.
• Support site Food Safety programs and maintain a working knowledge of HACCP and GMP requirements.
• Assist with quality investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Participate in site quality improvement initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

Laboratory Operations

• Perform routine laboratory testing according to established procedures and specifications.
• Conduct microbiological sampling and analysis on intermediate and finished products using approved methods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support calibration programs.
• Review, update, and maintain laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

Packaging & Process Monitoring

• Inspect packaging materials and finished products to verify compliance with quality standards.
• Monitor package appearance, fill weights, code dates, and other critical quality parameters.
• Verify compliance with weight control standards and support use of the FreeWeigh system.
• Communicate deviations and assist Production teams in resolving quality issues.

Audits, Documentation & Compliance

• Conduct GMP inspections and internal quality audits.
• Maintain accurate and timely quality documentation, records, and reports.
• Support document control activities and ensure proper record retention.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and other software systems for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist with quality training programs related to GMPs, quality systems, and operating procedures.

About You

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a food manufacturing quality, laboratory, or food safety environment.
• Knowledge of food safety systems, HACCP principles, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Experience performing analytical testing and interpreting results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• Experience with microbiological testing techniques and environmental monitoring programs.
• Experience with calibration, document control, and quality management systems.
• Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability studies.
• Experience leading or participating in root cause analysis investigations.
• Knowledge of food industry regulations and quality standards.
• Experience with manufacturing quality systems such as SQF, BRCGS, or FSMA programs.

Key Competencies

• Food Safety & Quality Systems
• Analytical Testing & Data Analysis
• Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Continuous Improvement
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Communication & Influence
• Decision Making
• Organization & Documentation

Schedule Requirements

Must be available to work days, off-shifts, weekends, and overtime as required to support manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters when performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.