QA Specialist I: Food Quality & Compliance

Woodland Gourmet; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical, prescription, dental, life, &

Job summary

Woodland Gourmet is seeking a QA Specialist I to support the implementation and maintenance of quality assurance processes and procedures. This onsite role in Illinois involves monitoring product quality, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

The QA Specialist I will report to the QA Supervisor/Manager and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve quality objectives.

Qualifications

• High School diploma is required.
• Troubleshooting, data analysis, and investigative skills are essential.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel, are required.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent report writing, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working with inventory systems is a plus.
• Attention to detail is a required attribute.
• Previous experience in the quality food industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of food safety, food manufacturing processes, technologies, or relevant areas of responsibility is a plus.
• Familiarity with government regulatory requirements in food (GFSI, FSMA, FDA) is a plus.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is helpful.
• Must be flexible with working hours, including the possibility of overtime and Saturdays.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs (team lift over 55 lbs).
• Must follow all company GMPs and consistently adhere to food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collect and archive library samples from the Receiving department.
• Conduct quality and food safety audits individually or as part of a team.
• Ensure proper labeling and paperwork for inbound products.
• Perform equipment cleaning and ATP swabbing after sanitation processes.
• Ensure allergen compliance on production lines.
• Evaluate product samples at the time of receiving, considering appearance, size, moisture analysis, and ingredient statements.
• Conduct initial evaluations of possible quality issues.
• Assist with handling various returns, including inspection of customer concerns.
• Assist with data entry on QA-related documents (product information and Vendor Certificate of Analysis).
• Audit all receipts and paperwork for accuracy in terms of items and quantities.
• Conduct any other functions as required by the QA department.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections at production site.
• Inspect equipment used daily and report any issues as needed.
• Manage product sampling necessary for Certificate of Analysis creation.
• Conduct internal incident investigations.
• Perform Gluten testing on Gluten-free products and lines.
• Release products that are on hold when approval is received.
• Generate maintenance work requests linked to Quality/Food Safety.
• Perform in-house sample testing (moisture, size, water activity).

Skills

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Investigative skills

Communication

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

Bilingual (Spanish)

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Inventory systems

Job description

Woodland Gourmet is seeking a QA Specialist I to support the implementation and maintenance of quality assurance processes and procedures. This onsite role in Illinois involves monitoring product quality, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

The QA Specialist I will report to the QA Supervisor/Manager and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve quality objectives.