Packaging Quality Specialist

HTI; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 85,962,000; Full time

Job summary

HTI in Spartanburg, SC, seeks an experienced Packaging Quality Specialist to support the Quality Manager in implementing quality and food safety processes per BRC/SQF and ISO standards. This role focuses on ensuring plant Quality Management Systems meet industry requirements while supporting packaging production for the restaurant sector.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in QA in manufacturing, strong HACCP knowledge, and proficiency with ERP and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Four+ years of experience as a Quality Technician or Specialist in manufacturing, preferably food or food packaging.
• Experience in a plant producing food or food packaging; paper packaging is a plus.
• Strong understanding of HACCP principles in a food-safe environment.
• Experience in a BRC/SQF and ISO 9000 certified plant.
• Internal quality auditing and reporting experience; familiarity with GFSI structures preferred.
• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Experience with root cause analysis and quality investigations.
• Excellent attention to detail and data review before reporting (NCRs, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication; customer quality issue communication preferred.
• Experience teaching quality-related classes to new hires or production staff is a plus.
• Ability to learn quickly, work independently, with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to convert imperial measurements to metric.
• Must pass a color blind test; strong computer/data entry skills and ERP familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality checks on paper packaging products (visual, color, measurements, labeling, rub testing).
• Daily review of FG quarantine areas in each department.
• Assist with disposition decisions for quarantined goods based on risk and customer expectations.
• Conduct quality training for operations and production teams.
• Coordinate training gaps with Quality and HR managers.
• Deliver QA training sessions and One Point Lessons.
• Support root cause analysis and data collection for investigations.
• Track FSC Chain of Custody and Food Safety Traceability in ERP.
• Conduct internal audits per Quality Audit Verification Program.
• Perform competency testing during Process Audits.
• Collect, print, and file QA documentation per requirements.
• Conduct off-line laboratory testing.
• Compile monthly reports including CAYG, housekeeping audits, and QA metrics.
• Input Process, Housekeeping, and Quality scores into the Quality Scorecard.
• Reconcile quarantine reports with Raw Material Inventory.

Skills

Quality experience

HACCP knowledge

GFSI/ISO frameworks

Root cause analysis

Training & instruction

Strong communication

Data entry & accuracy

Independent work ethic

Color vision

Color measurement tools

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

ERP system

MS Office

Job description

HTI has an immediate opening for an experienced Packaging Quality Specialist with a global food packaging company at their facility in Spartanburg, SC. This is a direct hire, full-time position.

• The hourly pay range is approximately $25.00- $30.00/hour, depending on experience and education
• Working hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

SUMMARY:

This role will support the Quality Manager in the design and implementation of quality and food safety processes in accordance with BRC/SQF (Safe Quality Food) and ISO quality certification requirements, as well as customer requirements. Will help to ensure that the plant’s Quality Management Systems are generated and maintained as required, and that they comply with industry standards. This facility produces paper packaging products for the restaurant industry.

REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 4 years of recent experience as a Quality Technician or Specialist in the manufacturing industry handling the job duties listed below
• Quality experience in a manufacturing plant that produces food or food packaging products; paper packaging experience is a plus
• Strong understanding of HACCP principles in a food safe manufacturing environment
• Experience in a plant that is BRC/SQF (Safe Quality Food) and ISO 9000 certified
• Internal quality auditing and reporting experience; experience with GFSI Food Safety Audit structures preferred
• Must have High School diploma or GED
• Experience conducting or assisting with root cause analysis and quality investigations
• Very strong attention to detail, dedicated to reviewing all data before submitting reports, NCR’s, etc.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills; experience communicating with customers regarding quality issues is strongly preferred
• Experience teaching quality-related classes to new hires and production employees is strongly preferred
• Ability to solve problems and absorb new information quickly; able to work independently; sense of urgency
• Ability to convert imperial/US measurements to metric system measurements
• Must be able to successfully pass a color blind testMust have strong computer/data entry skills and intermediate MS Office and ERP system experience

JOB DUTIES:

• Perform quality checks on paper packaging products, including visual checks for defects, logo color verification, measurements, labelling, rub testing, etc. Tools and instruments used will include scales, calipers, rulers, color swatches, and other testing equipment.
• Daily review of the Finished Goods (FG) quarantine areas in each department.
• Assist with decision making on disposition of quarantined goods based on risk and customer expectations.
• Conduct Work Instruction Competency Training for operations/production team members.
• Coordinate with the Quality Manager and HR Manager to address any training gaps.
• Perform Quality @ Source Training for all new employees and assist with Quality Refresher training sessions.
• Deliver any other Quality Assurance Training as required, including One Point Lessons and Work Instructions.
• Assist in performing root cause analysis and collecting data for quality investigations.
• Track FSC Chain of Custody and Food Safety Traceability data in the ERP system.
• Conduct internal audits as per the Quality Audit Verification Program.
• Perform competency testing against key quality control processes during Process Audits.
• Collect, print, verify and file Quality Assurance (QA) related documentation in accordance with requirements.
• Perform off-line laboratory testing.
• Collect data and compile reports on a monthly basis, including “Clean As You Go” (CAYG) Common Area Measures, Housekeeping audit reports, and Quality Contact data.
• Input all Process, Housekeeping Audit, and Quality Contact scores on to Quality Scorecard for monthly reporting.
• Reconcile quarantine report and quarantined goods in conjunction with Raw Material Inventory Controller.
• Review and process disposals for rejected/defective goods and coordinate with stakeholders to manage the disposal process. Keep disposal records and register up to date.
• Working relationships internally will include Production and Warehouse Teams, Sales/Customer Service Teams, Supply Chain Teams
• Working relationships externally will include Customers and External Auditors
• Assist with other projects/duties as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Focus – Close concentration and manual dexterity
• Regular presence on production floor
• Ability to see all colors for conducting logo color/ink quality checks
• Ability to stand, walk, and move around plant areas for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion