QA Lead - 1st Shift

Farmers Pride; Fredericksburg (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bell and Evans in Fredericksburg, PA is seeking a QA Lead to oversee QA Technicians and drive food safety and quality initiatives. The role is hands-on, requiring strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making to guide the team through HACCP plans and continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with USDA FSIS inspection staff and plant management, monitor process controls, perform audits, and develop skills within the QA team in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in a Quality Assurance role in a food manufacturing facility.
• College degree in a related field may substitute QA experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QA Technicians and their projects in a fast-paced production environment.
• Lead pre-operational inspections and monitor process controls.
• Conduct QA audits and investigate customer feedback and incidents.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, SOPs, and SSOPs; review documentation for accuracy.
• Collaborate with USDA FSIS inspection staff and plant management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead QA-team meetings.

Skills

Leadership

QA knowledge

GMP/SOPs/SSOPs

Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)

Education

College degree in a related field

Job description

Join the Company that is 100% committed to moving the bar higher. Your future belongs at the home of the Excellent Chicken...Bell and Evans!

1st Shift Available

Job Summary

The QA Lead is responsible for overseeing the duties and projects of the Quality Assurance (QA) Technicians while developing their skills and knowledge of the food safety and quality system. This role provides support to the QA Technicians across the Byproduct, Cut-up, Packaging, Box Room, Tavil, and Shipping areas in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment.

The QA Lead position is hands-on and highly interactive, requiring strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The ability to quickly assess risk, guide a team toward effective solutions, and ensure plans are successfully executed is critical to success in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Other duties may be assigned.)

• Perform all QA Technician duties as required, including but not limited to:
• Pre-operational inspections.
• Monitoring process controls.
• Collecting samples for microbiological or chemical testing.
• Troubleshooting and taking corrective action when deviations occur.
• Performing quality audits.
• Investigating customer feedback and internal incidents.
• Monitoring employees for compliance with GMPs, SOPs, and SSOPs.
• Reviewing documentation for accuracy.
• Collaborating with USDA FSIS inspection staff and plant management teams.
• Review monthly goals and continuous improvement projects with the supervisor.
• Develop QA Technician skills and strengthen their understanding of food safety and quality systems.
• Evaluate process flows and controls to ensure compliance with HACCP plans.
• Analyze QA and production data to identify trends and create improvement plans.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead team meetings with QA and plant management.
• Conduct non-routine audits and inspections, including GMP audits, Glass/Brittle Program, Retention Program, and internal audits.
• Ensure effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
• Serve as acting supervisor in the absence of the QA Supervisor.

Education and/or Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in a Quality Assurance role within a food manufacturing facility or a college degree in a related field.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, write, and interpret documents such as safety rules, instructions, and procedure manuals in English.
• Ability to write routine reports and professional correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees or customers.
• Strong communication skills required (Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred).