Operations Quality Specialist

Summary:

• Location: Melrose, MN
• Duration: 6 Months
• Work Mode: Onsite
• Mon-Fri 7am-4pm

Responsibilities:

• Liaise with operations to ensure a quality finished product meets customer specifications by conforming to all standards of the company's Quality Management System (LQMS).
• Establish, supervise, administer, and monitor quality assurance programs to ensure consistent implementation of policies, procedures, specifications, HACCP, GMP’s, BRC, and EQMS standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide quality and food safety support to quality and production departments.
• Assist management teams in maintaining quality systems.
• Follow-up and monitor Product Safety Quality Event corrective actions.
• Prepare and document all audit documents and programs for the plant.
• Perform positive release and manage external warehouse inventory.
• Complete HACCP record reviews related to Positive Release and SharePoint updates.
• Assist with lab calibrations and support the creation of quality trainings by training specialists.
• Act as a backup to the Quality Supervisor to support lab technicians.
• Track non-conforming & downgrade for cheese and manage specification deviation for cheese.
• Provide input on whey powder specification updates and manage customer samples for cheese.
• Manage Document Control Program (not record management).
• Coordinate lot track and trace exercises and assist with Environmental Monitoring Program.
• Manage GMP audit program and complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Associate's Degree or higher, preferably in Food Science/Dairy Science or related field.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science/Dairy Science or comparable field preferred.
• Strong quality assurance/dairy science background.
• Auditing skills with knowledge and understanding of corrective/preventive actions.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Effective teaching, influencing, and troubleshooting skills.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, decisive nature, and high level of initiative.