Title of Role: Quality Technician I
Department: Quality
Reports to: Quality and Food Safety Supervisor
FLSA Designation: Hourly/Non-exempt
Supervision Received/Exercised: No direct supervision exercised.
***This is for our C shift, 10pm-630am***
East West Tea is seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Quality Control Technician to join our Quality team to monitor products and processes to ensure all relevant internal and external standards are achieved.
Role Summary
The QC Technician is responsible for monitoring the products (intermediate and finished goods), processes, raw materials, facility, and personnel for compliance to all relevant regulatory (internal and external) and product specification requirements. This includes evaluating intermediate material, production processes, finished goods inspections and evaluations to ensure that all products meet specifications, pose no food safety hazard and are free from foreign material and infestation. The position routinely collects and reviews relevant production/QC worksheets and Food Safety documentation to ensure accuracy. This position routinely performs QA backup functions including sampling and microbial analysis and other duties as requested. Other duties will include department filing, customer complaint investigations, line audits, and will complete projects and inspections as assigned by quality management.
Role Responsibilities:
Essential functions of the role, but are not limited to the following:
Production Process & Monitoring 50% of time
- Production process inspection and evaluation
- Collaboration with Production to ensure Quality Program requirements
- Act as a resource for Quality related questions and issues
- Perform pre-operational sanitation inspections in areas assigned
- Follow close adherence to Pre-requisite Programs of the Food Safety Plan
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all operational and Quality SOP’s
- Escalate discrepancies when Quality situations falls outside of compliance
- Assist in maintaining the hold & disposition program
- ATP Swabbing
- This position has the authority to hold product that does not conform to customer agreements, finished product specifications, or legal requirements and is authorized to make decisions in collaboration and alignment with Quality Management regarding product disposition including release
- Provide leadership to Production Staff with regards to their concerns with procedures, product quality, and regulatory requirements
TESTING 25% of time
- Using established SOPs, perform routine analytical testing including, but not limited to, HPTLC botanical ID, ICP-MS heavy metals, organoleptic, microbial, particle size, bulk density, and moisture analysis of raw, in-process, or finished good materials.
- Using established SOPs, perform routine analysis and evaluation of dietary supplement legal label and other finished product packaging materials.
- Perform laboratory activities including sample preparation, solvent/reagent preparation, laboratory maintenance, upkeep, and laboratory inventory management.
- Maintain clear, accurate and timely documentation of all laboratory work, testing data, and results
- Comply with all pertinent regulatory standards regarding equipment and testing procedures
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab work area, while conforming to Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
- Coordinate, prepare, and submit sampled materials for external laboratory analysis, as needed
- Assist with researching & evaluating new testing methodology, as needed
DATA ANALYSIS & DOCUMENTATION 10% of time
- Generate analytical data and analysis reports, relevant to assigned analytical testing, in a timely manner
- Ensure ERP & material receipt activities are performed according to requirements, including Quality hold & release of raw materials in conformance with federal regulations and GFSI standards
- Ensure sample & test tracking databases are kept up to date
- Assist with development, revision, and annual reviews of controlled documents such as WIs & SOPs
- Document review & filing, as needed
- Sample retention management, as needed
Product Evaluation 10% of time
- Intermediate inspection and evaluation
- Finished goods inspection, testing and lab analysis
- Assist in maintaining the micro-hold product program
- Assist in maintaining the material review board
- Micro testing, carton weights and raw material sampling when assigned
Document Verification 5% of time
- Production record review. Review batch records for accuracy and compliance to all internal and external requirements
Organization
- Behaves in a way that is consistent with the mission, vision, and values of East West Tea Company and supports the ongoing development of the organization’s culture
Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
- Intermediate math calculations
- Using measuring/testing equipment accurately
- Working knowledge of Current GMP’s and FDA Regulations for CFR 111 and 117
- Knowledge of HACCP and Risk-based Preventative Controls preferred
- Experience with sampling methods including sterile technique
Talent:
Motivation & Work Style
- Self-directed
- Ability to take initiative, plan, and execute tasks independently
- Ability to balance attention to detail and swift execution
- Successfully manage competing priorities and expectations of stakeholders
Leadership & Influencing
- Clear and effective communication
- Ability to be persuasive and negotiate
Relationship & Collaboration
- Builds relationships quickly and easily
- Strong listening skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively
Thought Process
- Strong critical thinking ability to navigate and solve complex problems
- Process information quickly and conceptually
- Ability to think quickly on your feet and come up with alternative solutions
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical
- Manipulate, analyze and present data from multiple sources and across various formats
Work Environment:
- Work is divided between Office, Production, Lab and Warehouse settings
- Frequent warehouse environment exposure which includes noise, dust, forklifts, and fluctuations in temperature
- Regular desk work performed in an open office structure
Physical Requirements:
- Stand, walk, and climb stairs to perform inspections and swabbing assignments
- Sitting at workstations for extended periods of time
- Lift 20-50 lbs. without assistance, infrequently
Minimum Requirements:
- Three years in a production/manufacturing environment preferably in food production
- Associates degree preferred
Employer Statement:
East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each persons’ individuality and unique talents. It is the strength of our people and our guiding principle that have contributed to East West Tea’s leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.
