Lead Quality Technician

Lead Quality Technician Food Manufacturing | Quality Assurance & Food Safety Make an Impact on Product Quality and Food Safety Are you passionate about food safety, quality systems, and continuous improvement? We're seeking a Lead Quality Technician to play a critical role in ensuring products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance before reaching customers. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Technician who enjoys a mix of laboratory and production-floor responsibilities and is ready to take on a leadership role.

You'll serve as a key resource for the Quality team, help guide day-to-day activities, and work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to maintain exceptional product quality standards. What You'll Do Quality Testing & Product Release Perform laboratory testing and analysis on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products. Conduct chemical and quality evaluations to verify compliance with specifications.

Review production records, quality documentation, and test results. Make product release, hold, and disposition decisions based on established quality standards. Maintain retained samples and support traceability requirements. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with GMPs, GLPs, HACCP principles, food safety requirements, and internal procedures. Perform environmental monitoring activities, including: Swabbing programs Water testing Air quality monitoring Glass and brittle plastic inspections Support calibration and verification programs for laboratory and quality equipment.

Coordinate sample submissions to external laboratories as needed. Audits & Continuous Improvement Participate in internal quality and food safety audits. Support customer, regulatory, and certification audits. Conduct facility inspections and document findings. Assist with corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities. Investigate quality concerns, customer complaints, food safety findings, and product deviations.

Support ongoing improvements to quality systems, processes, and procedures. Leadership & Team Support Help coordinate daily activities and priorities for the Quality Technician team. Train and mentor new team members. Provide support and coverage during team absences. Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Production teams to address quality concerns. Serve as a hands-on quality resource across laboratory and manufacturing environments.

Materials & Inventory Quality Control Perform raw material inspections and sampling. Manage held and non-conforming materials. Ensure proper documentation, segregation, and disposition of inventory. Support investigations related to materials, product quality, and manufacturing processes. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Three or more years of experience in a Quality Technician, Quality Assurance, or Quality Control role.

Experience in a food manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of food safety and quality systems. Ability to interpret testing data and make informed quality decisions. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and documentation practices. Basic computer proficiency. Preferred Qualifications Coursework or degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field.

Experience with laboratory testing and environmental monitoring programs. Knowledge of GMPs, GLPs, HACCP, and food safety programs. Experience participating in audits and CAPA investigations. PCQI certification or willingness to obtain certification. Experience training, mentoring, or providing direction to others. Why You'll Love This Opportunity Take on a visible leadership role while remaining hands-on in quality operations.

Work in a collaborative environment where quality and food safety are top priorities. Gain exposure to a wide range of laboratory, manufacturing, and compliance activities.