Raw Material QC Technician
Position Summary
The Raw Material QC Technician is responsible for ensuring that incoming raw materials, ingredients, and packaging materials meet Initiative Foods' quality and food safety requirements before they are released for production. This position performs inspections, sampling, testing, documentation, and verification activities.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, comfortable working in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, and understands the importance of accurate documentation and food safety.
Essential Responsibilities
- Inspect incoming raw materials and ingredients upon receipt for quality, condition, identification, and compliance with specifications.
- Verify ingredient and material lot numbers, quantities, expiration dates, and supplier information.
- Review Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and other required documentation.
- Verify materials are properly identified and labeled.
- Confirm materials meet established specifications before releasing them for production use.
- Place materials on HOLD when specifications, documentation, packaging integrity, identification, or other requirements are not met.
- Communicate out-of-specification conditions to the QC Manager and appropriate departments.
- Document all inspections, testing, releases, holds, and deviations accurately and in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate QC records and ensure documentation is complete and legible.
- Verify proper storage conditions and segregation of approved, rejected, and held materials.
- Perform routine inspections of warehouse and raw material storage areas.
- Monitor materials for damage, contamination, pest activity, improper storage, or other food safety concerns.
- Verify FIFO/FEFO practices are being followed where applicable.
- Assist with investigations involving raw materials, supplier issues, deviations, and customer complaints.
- Support internal audits, food safety programs, HACCP/Preventive Controls, GMP, and other quality programs.
- Follow all GMP, personal hygiene, allergen control, food safety, and safety requirements.
- Immediately report potential food safety or quality concerns.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe QC work area.
- Perform other Quality Control duties as assigned.
Food Safety & Quality Responsibilities
This position plays an important role in preventing nonconforming or unsafe materials from entering the production process.
The Raw Material QC Technician must:
- Verify the correct material, lot, and status before release.
- Maintain proper identification of all materials.
- Follow established sampling and testing procedures.
- Immediately escalate food safety concerns.
- Maintain accurate records that provide traceability from receiving through production.
- Follow all company GMP and food safety requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED.
- Previous experience in food manufacturing, Quality Control, laboratory, receiving inspection, or a related field preferred.
- Ability to read and follow SOPs, specifications, and work instructions.
- Basic math and measurement skills.
- Ability to accurately complete paperwork and electronic records.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively with employees and management.
- Ability to work in a refrigerated, wet, or manufacturing environment when required.
Preferred
- 1+ year of food manufacturing or QC experience.
- Experience with raw material inspection and sampling.
- Experience with pH meters, refractometers, scales, or other QC testing equipment.
- HACCP, GMP, Preventive Controls, or food safety training.
- Experience with electronic quality or inventory management systems.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry samples/materials as required.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs.
- Ability to work around production equipment, warehouse traffic, and refrigerated areas.
- Ability to wear required PPE and follow all safety requirements.
Core Competencies
- Attention to Detail
- Food Safety Mindset
- Accuracy
- Accountability
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Organization
- Integrity
- Ability to Follow Procedures
Work Environment
This position operates in a Receiving Warehouse facility and may require regular interaction with Receiving Warehouse personnel. The technician may work around machinery, forklifts, refrigerated areas, wet environments, and food-processing equipment.
Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
