Quality Lead

Saputo Inc.; Troy (NC); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Saputo Inc. is seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Lead at our facility to oversee daily QA activities, lead sanitation programs, and ensure compliance with food safety and aseptic processing standards.

You will train staff in GMPs, Food Safety, Quality Systems, and sanitation practices; lead cross‑functional projects; verify plant documentation; and support audits, customer visits, and investigations as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience training GMPs, Food Safety, Quality Systems, and Sanitation Programs.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to verify plant documentation and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Train new and existing team members in GMPs, Food Safety, Quality Systems, and Sanitation Programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams or assigned projects with minimal supervision, driving tasks to successful completion.
• Work closely with QA and Sanitation supervisors.
• Provide sanitation and chemical-handling training for new hires and cleanup partners.
• Serve as a backup to Quality Assurance technicians as needed.
• Verify daily plant operational documentation, including Food Safety Plan records and production paperwork.

Skills

GMPs

Food Safety

Quality Systems

Sanitation Programs

Team Leadership

Training

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth‑driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Job Overview

We’re seeking a hands‑on Quality Assurance Lead to support our facility. This role oversees daily QA activities, leads and executes sanitation programs, and ensures compliance with food safety and aseptic processing standards.

How You Will Make Contributions That Matter

• Train new and existing team members in GMPs, Food Safety, Quality Systems, and Sanitation Programs.
• Lead cross‑functional teams or assigned projects with minimal supervision, driving tasks to successful completion.
• Work closely with both QA and Sanitation supervisors.
• Provide sanitation and chemical‑handling training for new hires and cleanup partners, including proper PPE use and interpretation of MSDS/SDS.
• Serve as a backup to Quality Assurance technicians as needed.
• Verify daily plant operational documentation, including Food Safety Plan records, operator quality checks, and production paperwork for completeness and accuracy.
• Assure plant‑generated records are properly reviewed, tracked, and filed in accordance with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Conduct GMP and sanitation audits of the facility and grounds at required frequencies and follow up on corrective actions.
• Verify finished products meet all quality specifications; communicate non‑compliance issues immediately to shift leadership and assist in timely resolution.
• Support hold management, including re‑checks, placing product on hold, verifying disposition instructions, and ensuring documentation is completed.
• Support trials, customer visits, and audits.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Master Sanitation Program, including scheduled task completion, verification, and documentation.
• Develop, implement, train, and audit Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and One‑Point Lessons.
• Assist in sanitation investigations and develop effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) for identified hygiene or environmental issues.
• Conduct monthly Pest Control Program audits and track follow‑up actions.
• Operate and maintain CIP systems and sanitizing systems for both processing and aseptic filling areas.
• Perform CIP audits for all wash circuits and assist with CIP validations.
• Audit CIP/COP chemical strengths; communicate required adjustments to leadership.
• Troubleshoot sanitation issues and recommend sustainable solutions.
• Assist with teardown and sanitary inspection of equipment in both processing and filling environments.
• Maintain and clean CIP rooms per the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Perform weekly chemical inventory, create purchase orders, and follow up with vendors on delivery or order status.
• Receive chemical orders physically.
• Maintain foamers, footbaths, sanitizing stations, hoses, nozzles, and spray tips; submit work orders for equipment requiring maintenance.
• Communicate concerns about chemical performance or supply to chemical representatives.
• Clean and sanitize all floor drains daily.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of CIP rooms, including foam application, scrubbing, and removal of empty chemical barrels.
• Provide sanitation support across plant operations as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends, to support plant operational needs.

Starting pay: $22.99 per hour.

EEO Statement

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC are equal‑opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Contact

If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214‑863‑2300 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.