Product Quality Technician

Mars; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Petcare in Columbus, OH is hiring a Product Quality Technician. The role conducts quality verification to ensure finished products meet Mars Petcare Quality and Food Safety Standards, escalating any non-conformances promptly.

You will support production with risk assessments, conduct inspections, and help maintain traceability. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED, 1+ years in manufacturing/quality control, and strong leadership and Excel/Microsoft Office skills.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education.
• 1+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment and/or quality control.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in leading/influencing others.
• Proficient in computer software including Excel, Microsoft Office, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality verification and monitoring activities for raw materials, packaging, and finished products to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Identify, isolate, and elevate non-conforming materials and quality incidents, including initiating incident investigations and product holds within quality management systems.
• Support production teams with troubleshooting, risk assessments, foreign material escalation, and real-time quality decision-making during manufacturing operations.
• Review and verify quality and regulatory documentation, including PCQI conformance records, process charts, net weight checks, and seam/seal integrity documentation.
• Execute finished product release activities, product inspections, stock reconciliations, and controlled recipe change processes to maintain product quality and traceability.
• Provide coaching and training to operations associates on quality management processes, record accuracy, compliance expectations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Excel

Microsoft Office

Outlook

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or technical degree in Food Science / Food Safety / Engineering

Tools

Quality management systems

GMP/HACCP knowledge

Job description

Mars Petcare – Product Quality Technician – Columbus, OH

Pay: $30.33/hour and $1.50 shift premium

This site manufactures Petfood

Shift Schedule:

• 1st Shift
  • Saturday–Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Weekend Off
• 2nd Shift
  • Monday–Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Weekend Off
• 3rd Shift
  • Monday–Friday: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM
  • Saturday–Sunday: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM
  • 5 Days Off Monday- Friday

Description of Role:

This role conducts quality verification protocols to ensure finished products meet with Mars Petcare Quality and Food Safety Specifications. They enable conformance to specification through the verification of execution in quality control protocols and/or monitoring of sampling and testing plans. They enable the reduction of food safety incidents and non-quality costs by the immediate escalation of any out of conformance condition detected during verification activities.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education
• 1+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment and/or quality control
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in leading/influencing others
• Proficient in computer software’s including Excel, Microsoft Office, Outlook, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequent lifting/carrying (10-50 lbs) and pushing/pulling (50-300 lbs) repetitively
• Frequent bending, stooping, twisting, handling, and gripping.
• Ability to work at elevated heights, climb stairs, lean over equipment, and operate in confined spaces.
• Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods, with shifts lasting 12 hours
• Capable of working in hot, cold and wet conditions
• Proficient in understanding, communicating, reading, and writing in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree, Technical Degree or certification (s) related to Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry etc.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing site managing quality and food safety management systems
• Previous experience in a food-related industry
• Experience with practical applied microbiology in factory environments
• Advanced understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Systems (HACCP)
• Knowledge of food microbiology, food safety, manufacturing processes and food laws
• Understanding of Food safety risk, identification and management, HACCP and prerequisite controls Knowledge of GMP, food allergens, pest control, sanitation, and food safety regulations Strong people and organizational development skills.

What will be my Key Responsibilities?

• Perform quality verification and monitoring activities for raw materials, packaging, and finished products to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Identify, isolate, and elevate non-conforming materials and quality incidents, including initiating incident investigations and product holds within quality management systems.
• Support production teams with troubleshooting, risk assessments, foreign material escalation, and real-time quality decision-making during manufacturing operations.
• Review and verify quality and regulatory documentation, including PCQI conformance records, process charts, net weight checks, and seam/seal integrity documentation.
• Execute finished product release activities, product inspections, stock reconciliations, and controlled recipe change processes to maintain product quality and traceability.
• Provide coaching and training to operations associates on quality management processes, record accuracy, compliance expectations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Total Rewards:

• Starting Pay: $30.33/hour
• Shift Differential: $1.50/hour
• Annual Bonus and Merit Increases
• Benefits Starting Day One:
  • Medical, Vision, and Dental
  • Up to 6% 401(k) match
  • Vacation time
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Short/Long-Term Disability
  • 18 weeks parental
• Relocation will not be provided.