Senior Fresh QA & Quality Strategy Lead

Kroger; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger in Texas seeks a quality leader to own inspect and evaluate fresh produce at source, ensuring Kroger specifications for fruit and vegetables, including grade, labeling and packaging. You will guide quality strategy with Sourcing, Merchandising, and vendors and coach QA teams in distribution centers across the region.

The role requires travel up to 75%, deep knowledge of USDA standards, and ability to communicate insights to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years setting produce quality standards in retail/wholesale.
• Deep knowledge of USDA standards/requirements.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to judge produce color.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Self-starter with urgency.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Understanding of food safety requirements.
• Higher degree in agriculture.
• Retail produce or USDA inspection experience.

Responsibilities

• Own continuous improvement of produce specifications with suppliers.
• Build trust with community and enable first in market awareness.
• Serve as SME in fruit and vegetable grades/specifications.
• Identify produce opportunities; coordinate with buyers for placement.
• Facilitate procurement of local produce across regions.
• Collaborate to shape RFP process.
• Enhance vendor relationships and explore new opportunities.
• Perform quality inspections to ensure USDA and Kroger standards.
• Use tools for quality inspections (sizers, scales, calipers) and stay updated.
• Report vendor quality, supply volume, weather to stakeholders.
• Investigate solutions for supply chain efficiency and freshness.
• Engage with industry on gene editing, food safety, sustainability.
• Represent Kroger at industry events.
• Coordinate and document quality training materials; schedule training.
• Travel up to 75% to growing regions and plants.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions with/without accommodation.

Skills

Produce quality standards

USDA standards

Communication skills

Time management

Food safety

Education

Agriculture degree

Tools

Sizers

Scales

Calipers

Measuring tools

Job description

Kroger in Texas seeks a quality leader to own inspect and evaluate fresh produce at source, ensuring Kroger specifications for fruit and vegetables, including grade, labeling and packaging. You will guide quality strategy with Sourcing, Merchandising, and vendors and coach QA teams in distribution centers across the region.

The role requires travel up to 75%, deep knowledge of USDA standards, and ability to communicate insights to stakeholders.