About the Company
Established in 1965, Family Brands boasts products in diverse meat categories-all produced in a state of the art facility. Family Brands is part of the H.T. Hackney Company, one of the nation's leading grocery wholesale distributors, which has been serving customers with integrity for over 100 years. If you are looking for a rewarding career with an industry leader, you are in the right place.
Position Overview
The Quality Assurance Lab Lead is a hands-on hourly position responsible for the day-to-day operation, organization, and accuracy of the QA laboratory and label room. The Lead performs and coordinates environmental swabbing, product sampling, testing activities, label control, documentation, and daily QA support for production. This position also provides day-to-day guidance and training to QA Technicians while working closely with the Quality Assurance Manager to maintain food safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain the daily organization, cleanliness, and readiness of the QA laboratory and label room.
- Perform and coordinate routine, scheduled, and investigative environmental swabbing in accordance with established procedures and environmental monitoring requirements.
- Collect, identify, handle, document, store, and prepare product and environmental samples for testing or shipment, as applicable.
- Track environmental, microbiological, and product test results and immediately communicate positive, out-of-specification, or unusual findings to the Quality Assurance Manager.
- Maintain complete and accurate laboratory, environmental monitoring, testing, and sample records.
- Maintain laboratory supplies, testing materials, chemicals, and equipment; monitor inventory and communicate replenishment needs.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is properly operated, maintained, and calibrated and that required documentation is completed.
- Maintain organization and control of the label room, including label verification, issuance, storage, and disposition of obsolete or incorrect labels.
- Verify that correct product labels are available for production and help prevent the use of incorrect or obsolete labeling.
- Review QA, production, sanitation, and laboratory records for accuracy and completeness and escalate discrepancies as needed.
- Monitor and support compliance with GMPs, HACCP plans, SSOPs, USDA requirements, and company food safety and quality programs.
- Provide day-to-day work direction, training, and support to QA Technicians and assist with QA coverage based on production needs.
- Identify food safety, quality, labeling, or process deviations and promptly communicate concerns to QA management.
- Assist with root cause investigations, corrective actions, preventive actions, and related documentation.
- Provide records and operational support during internal and external audits and USDA inspections.
- Work closely with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, Shipping/Receiving, and other departments to maintain food safety and product quality.
- Perform other QA and food safety duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Previous quality assurance, food safety, laboratory, or related experience in food manufacturing strongly preferred; meat or RTE manufacturing experience is a plus.
- Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, SSOPs, environmental monitoring, sanitation controls, and food safety practices preferred.
- Knowledge of RTE food safety risks and pathogen control, including Listeria prevention and environmental monitoring, strongly preferred.
- HACCP certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or training in food science, microbiology, food safety, or a related area is a plus.
- Previous lead experience preferred but not required for a candidate with strong QA knowledge and demonstrated reliability.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, documentation, follow-through, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to provide clear direction to coworkers while maintaining effective working relationships across departments.
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn company QA and recordkeeping systems.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Must be able to work in cold, wet, and refrigerated production environments and comply with all required PPE and safety practices.
- Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and move throughout laboratory and production areas.
- Must be able to lift and move laboratory supplies, product samples, and related materials as required.
- Schedule flexibility is required based on production and QA coverage needs; overtime, weekends, and occasional holidays may be required.
- Must be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond promptly to food safety or quality concerns.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
