Job DescriptionJob Title: 3rd Shift QA Operation Readiness Inspector FLSA Classification: Exempt Department: Quality Salary Grade: N/A Supervisor: QA Manager Date: November 2024Summary/ObjectiveThis position is based in Lena, IL and will focus on performing pre-operation sanitation inspections to ensure that all equipment, work areas, and facilities meet the required hygiene and safety standards before production begins. The QA Operation Readiness Inspector will play a critical role in maintaining food safety, quality, and compliance with industry regulations.The position follows standard work methods and practices safe work habits to ensure production is as safe as possible. Essential FunctionsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Perform thorough pre-operation sanitation inspections on equipment, production areas, and facilities to ensure they meet hygiene and cleanliness standards before production starts.
- Responsible for product safety and quality while meeting Company and regulatory standards and has oversight responsibility for a continuous quality improvement program.
- Verify that all sanitation tasks have been completed according to company procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct visual inspections for cleanliness, residue, and any potential contaminants that could affect product quality or safety.
- Ensure that all cleaning and sanitizing chemicals are properly stored, labeled, and used in accordance with safety guidelines.
- Perform swabbing or other sampling techniques to test for microbial contamination or residue, in line with food safety protocols.
- Report any issues or non-compliance immediately to supervisors or the sanitation team for corrective action.
- Work closely with the sanitation and production teams to ensure smooth and effective handoffs between sanitation and production processes.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, test results, and any corrective actions taken.
- Document pre-operational inspection findings and assist is trending and communicating repeat findings to update sanitation procedures.
- Provides direction and support to the Sanitation Supervisor
•Ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and compliance with company standards as stated in the Quality Manual, Laboratory Manual, and Company Policy and Programs by inspecting and auditing the product, process and all systems. •Provides leadership in coaching, education, and training of plant employees and refresher training for GMPs and PRPs. •Active member of HACCP/FSP team.Competencies Strategic Thinking Quality Management Project Management Problem Solving & Decision MakingTeamwork & Cooperation Results Orientation Performance Management Communication Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position does not have direct reports. Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office and plant environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use fingers to type. This position will be split between floor and office work and is an active role that requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must occasionally lift or move items up to and over 50 pounds. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work Occasional work on other shifts may be required as job duties demand.TravelThis position requires up to 5% travel. •High School Diploma or Equivalent, Minimum 3 years' experience as a lead or supervisor in manufacturing; •Possess a working knowledge of sanitation systems, techniques and procedures; •Solid experience with Good Manufacturing Practices;•Experience leading and following Safety/Security Policies and Procedures;•Proficient in Microsoft Office and computer-based applications;•Excellent verbal/written communication skills; •Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines; •Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change; •Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously;•Ability to follow all Sanitation and Quality Policies and Procedures, and report and follow through on any deficiencies;•Knowledgeable in FSMA rules and regulations including Preventive Controls for Human Food, Sanitary Transportation Rule, Food Defense, Food Fraud, and Foreign Supplier Verification Programs Possess a working knowledge of sanitation systems, techniques and procedures;
- Familiarity with pre-op sanitation inspection procedures and food safety testing methods;
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify cleanliness or contamination issues;
- Ability to follow standardized inspection protocols and document results accurately;
- Good communication skills to effectively report findings and collaborate with other teams;
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage time efficiently;
Preferred Education and Experience•Dairy experience•Sensory experience•Experience in Continuous Improvement (CI) Processes•Previous experience as a lead auditor•Experience in soft ripened cheese or cream cheese applicationsWork Authorization/Security ClearanceEligible to work in USA.Food Safety and Product QualityThis position is responsible for supporting the food safety management system and for communicating food safety issues to the Quality Department. Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity StatementSavencia Cheese USA provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the Company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Mention approximate hours? I know the shifts are different at Lena. Education level? Skills & Requirements Qualifications Savencia Cheese USA LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (E.O.E.). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or other protected status under federal, state or local law. Neither the job postings or descriptions here, nor any submission of your resume, should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.If you are an individual with a disability and you are requesting a reasonable accommodation, to submit your resume for a posted position, please contact us at ...@savencia.com.