QA Lead - 1st Shift

Bell & Evans; Fredericksburg (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bell & Evans is seeking a QA Lead to oversee QA Technicians and drive food safety programs in a dynamic production environment. This hands-on leadership role focuses on ensuring HACCP compliance, process control monitoring, and timely corrective actions across multiple production areas.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of QA experience in food manufacturing, strong communication skills, and is bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of QA experience in a food manufacturing facility or related field.
• Bachelor's degree required or related experience in QA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QA Technicians and projects across production areas.
• Monitor process controls and perform pre-operational inspections.
• Collect samples for microbiological and chemical testing.
• Lead audits and drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with USDA FSIS inspection staff and plant management.
• Mentor QA staff and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

QA Leadership

GMP Compliance

Food Safety

HACCP

Data Analysis

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in 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

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).