Quality Lead

Refresco Brand; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Refresco is hiring a QA Technician to uphold quality in a fast-paced beverage production environment in Texas. You will monitor microbiology, perform lab tests, and ensure adherence to GMP/SQF standards while supporting production teams.

Ideal candidates have laboratory experience, 3–4 years in quality, and familiarity with QC tools such as HPLC, pH meters, and densitometry. Refresco offers strong benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must have strong Excel, Word, SAP and PowerPoint proficiency.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, results oriented.
• Experience with measurement tools and laboratory equipment preferred.
• High level of precision and accuracy in inspection/testing.
• Familiarity with GFSI, GMP, SQF standards helpful.
• Knowledge of quality systems (GMP, HACCP, SQF).

Responsibilities

• Adhere to GMPs, health, safety, and PPE requirements in warehouse/production areas.
• Maintain microbiology program, in-process quality, lab testing and equipment.
• Ensure accurate test results via proper calibration and operation of lab gear.
• Conduct routine checks on production lines and act as QA contact.
• Prepare and send product samples; manage water samples for labs.
• Train staff to improve performance and cross-functional capability.

Skills

Excel

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

GMP/HACCP knowledge

Education

Highschool diploma or equivalent

Tools

HPLC

Densitometer

pH meter

Job description

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the world’s largest bottler for retailers and A-brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe and North America. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how wouldYOUput our drinks on every table?

Essential Job Functions:

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toe boots and seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per quality standards and/or Safe Quality Food requirements.
• Perform all duties in the QA Technician job description as needed.
• Monitor and maintain microbiology program, in process quality, lab testing and equipment, water treatment system in accordance with the requirements of the production schedule.
• Ensure accurate test results by maintaining proper operation, cleanliness and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness at all times within Good Laboratory Practice.
• Conduct routine checks on production line as needed and act as initial Quality point of contact.
• Test products on hold and determine disposition.
• Assist seam evaluations with OEM vendors as needed.
• Prepare and send product samples as required.
• Send water samples to 3rd party laboratory quarterly and annually.
• Conduct or carry out training as required to maintain and optimize performance or increase cross-function ability between departments.
• Conduct verification inspections of employee tasks or reports as needed to ensure product quality.
• Execute job according to QA standards and testing requirements in order to maximize process and minimize non-conformance.
• Assign work delegation as directed by Management.
• Must accurately complete all associated documents as per QA SOP Manual.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, results oriented.
• Exposure to using measurement tools and equipment (e.g., HPLC, Densitometer, pH, etc) preferred.
• High level of precision and accuracy in inspection and testing processes.
• Familiarity with GFSI, GMP, and other relevant standards and regulations preferred.
• Understanding of Food Safety/Quality Requirements.
• Able to read and understand metric system.
• Prior inspection experience in a laboratory setting.
• Organized and detail oriented, adaptable to change.
• Technical: Skilled in maintaining accurate and detailed records of inspections and tests.
• Integrity: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all quality assurance activities.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production environments and requirements.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with production staff and management.
• Problem-Solving Skills – ability to troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently, collaborating with others to resolve complex issues, adaptability to changing circumstances and willingness to implement new procedures.

Education and Experience:

• Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• 3 - 4 years of experience in Quality within a manufacturing environment, preferable food/beverage industry.
• Laboratory experience required.
• In plants co-packaging alcoholic beverages, sensory tasting must be at least 21 years old.
• Knowledge of quality systems (GMP, HACCP, SQF) – certification ideal.

Working Conditions:

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evening, and overnight may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold (laboratory is temperature controlled). The environment is structured and supervised.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel anticipated: Rarely

Physical Requirements

R = Rarely (0-15%) O = Occasionally (16-45%) F = Frequently (46-100%)

Physical Demand

R

O

F

Stand or Sit

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum 5 lbs. up to 50lbs.)

X

Carry weight, lift

X

Walking

X

Driving

X

Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance

X

• Visual/Sensory: This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress: There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include:

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation

Join Refresco TODAYand enjoy a rewarding CAREER!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Refresco is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Refresco does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, status in uniformed services, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.