Quality Assurance Lead

Fresh Express; Morrow (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresh Express is seeking a Food Safety Lead to oversee QA activities, ensure GMP/HACCP compliance, and drive continuous improvement in quality systems at the site.

The role emphasizes training, auditing, and enforcing safety policies while coordinating with materials and production teams to uphold food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Analytical and problem-solving abilities required.
• Proficient in Excel/Outlook/Word.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of QA programs related to food safety (GMP, HACCP, GLP).
• English proficiency (spoken and written) required.
• Willingness to work in cold, wet environments.
• Willingness to work overtime, including weekends/holidays.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements and adhere to testing frequencies.

Responsibilities

• Coaches, trains, and drives performance improvement of QA personnel.
• Audits daily quality reports and systems (Sanitation, GMPs, traceability) for compliance and reports deviations.
• Enforces GMP rules within the site.
• Supervises Raw Material inspection team; identifies deficiencies and oversees corrective actions.
• Manages hold/release program for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods; expedites dispositions.
• Acts as liaison for plant Kosher program.
• Communicates periodic compliance data to Corporate Quality Office.
• Keeps the product specification book up to date.
• Performs CQI evaluations and special assignments as needed.
• Provides department leadership during absences of supervisors or manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

MS Office

Communication skills

QA knowledge (GMP/HACCP)

English proficiency

Attendance & punctuality

Overtime availability

Testing frequency compliance

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Food Safety Role & Responsibility

As an individual, the incumbent must understand the Food Safety Statement, complete the required training, perform work assignments in accordance with training and display an acceptable level of competency with all Quality Assurance/Safety/Security policies and training requirements. Areas of food safety training will include, but are not limited to, GMP, HACCP, Food Safety and Quality Statement, FSSC 22000/Global Food Safety Policy/Food Safety Goals, Visitor/Food/Site Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Some additional items will include: CCP's, GLP's, Hold/Release, and Environmental Sampling.

Food Safety Role & Responsibility

As an individual, the incumbent must understand the Food Safety Statement, complete the required training, perform work assignments in accordance with training and display an acceptable level of competency with all Quality Assurance/Safety/Security policies and training requirements. Areas of food safety training will include, but are not limited to, GMP, HACCP, Food Safety and Quality Statement, FSSC 22000/Global Food Safety Policy/Food Safety Goals, Visitor/Food/Site Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Bloodborne Pathogens. Some additional items will include: CCP's, GLP's, Hold/Release, and Environmental Sampling.

The individual must also request additional and/or refresher training if he or she feels that it is needed to effectively perform requirements in specific areas of responsibility.

Summary

QA Leads assist in the supervision of the on-line Quality Assurance Techs and Raw Material Inspectors to ensure compliance to all company and customer quality and food safety requirements.

Job Function Statements - Essential Functions

• Effectively coaches, trains, and drives performance improvement of QA personnel.
• Audits Quality daily reports and systems (Sanitation, housekeeping/GMP's, traceability, CQI, HACCP) for compliance, and reports deviations to Quality Management team for review.
• Is responsible for enforcing GMP rules.
• Supervises Raw Material inspection team to ensure compliance to corporate specs. Assists in identifying raw product deficiencies and performance issues; oversees the application of necessary corrective actions.
• Coordinates the hold/release program for raw materials, packaging supplies and finished products. Expedites disposition on held products and/or materials.
• Acts as liaison for plant Kosher program.
• Coordinates completion and communication of periodic compliance data to the Corporate Quality Office.
• Ensures product specification book is up to date.
• Performs special assignments as required and directed (i.e. CQI evaluation).
• Provides leadership to the department during the absence of Quality Supervisors or Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications/Skills

• Possesses excellent analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Possesses demonstrated computer skills (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Possesses knowledge of quality assurance programs as they relate to food safety, GMP's, HACCP, Sanitation, Pest Control, and compliance to quality systems and customer requirements.
• Be proficient in English (oral and written).
• Be willing to work in a cold, wet environment.
• Be willing to work overtime, including weekends and holidays as required.
• Be willing to work hours and shifts dictated by production schedule.
• Be capable of meeting all attendance requirements.
• Be capable of meeting required testing frequencies (detailed, fast-paced work).

Other Desired Qualifications/Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese

Food industry experience a plus

Experience

Minimum of one year QA experience

Education/Training

High School Diploma (or equivalent)

Other Information

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.