Quality Assurance Specialist I (2nd Shift)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k matching

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance

Flexible spending account

Health savings account

Annual bonus

Job summary

Woodland Gourmet in the United States is seeking a QA Specialist I to support the implementation and maintenance of quality assurance processes. You will monitor product quality, conduct inspections, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet quality objectives.

This onsite role reports to the Quality Assurance Manager and offers a competitive compensation package, a comprehensive benefits program, and opportunities to contribute to food

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 (anything over 55 lbs requires team lift)
• 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 factors such as appearance, size, moisture analysis, and ingredient statements
• Conduct initial evaluations of possible quality issues
• Assist with handling various returns that may include inspection of customer concerns
• Assist with general data entry on QA-related documents, such as 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
• Responsible for sticker removal/application for INAFS items
• 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, including testing for moisture, size, and water activity

Skills

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

MS Word

MS Excel

Communication

Bilingual Spanish

Education

High School diploma

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Reports to: Quality Assurance Lab Manager

Travel: None

Department: Quality Assurance

Summary:
The QA Specialist I is responsible for supporting the implementation and maintenance of quality assurance processes and procedures within the organization. This role will assist in monitoring product quality, conducting inspections, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and providing general support to the Quality Assurance department. The QA Specialist I will report to the Quality Assurance Supervisor/Manager and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve quality objectives.
Responsibilities and Duties:

• 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 factors such as appearance, size, moisture analysis, and ingredient statements
• Conduct initial evaluations of possible quality issues
• Assist with handling various returns that may include inspection of customer concerns
• Assist with general data entry on QA-related documents, such as 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
• Responsible for sticker removal/application for INAFS items
• 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, including testing for moisture, size, and water activity

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 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 (anything over 55 lbs requires team lift)
• Must follow all company GMPs and consistently adhere to food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements

Physical Requirements:
The position may require occasional lifting, bending, and extended periods of standing or sitting in a manufacturing environment.
This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change or modification based on organizational needs. The QA Specialist I will perform any other duties assigned by the Quality Assurance Manager/Supervisor to support quality objectives and the overall success of the organization.

This is an onsite role.

Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. The base salary for this role will be $45,000 to $58,000. This position is eligible for annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions). Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the salary offered and it will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.
Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plan, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.
Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States.
E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website.