Quality Assurance Lab Technologist; Candy Company; Chicago

Company

America's favorite candy company, manufacturing and selling some of the world's most popular confectionary brands. One of the country's largest candy companies, with operations throughout North America and with distribution channels in more than 75 countries.

Summary

The Quality Assurance Lab Technologist is a key role in the company's QA department. The successful candidate will engage in a variety of food safety, project management and processing issues to support the Chicago facility, and as needed the overall company-wide QA initiatives.

Core Job Functions:

• Assist in developing HACCP plans, SOP's and maintaining food safety programs for 3rd party audits
• Perform daily quality checks to ensure all company, customer and regulatory specifications and requirements are being met
• Manage and verify sampling, lab reports and approvals of incoming raw ingredients
• Manage and coordinate outside laboratory sample preparation for pick-ups
• Manage Environmental Monitoring Program
• Create, develop and maintain documentation relating to raw ingredients, EMP and other relevant data reports
• Oversee updates for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) related to QA specifics materials
• Update Quality Manuals as required
• Participate in multidisciplinary audits conducted throughout the year
• Advise local QA manager regarding questionable product, discarding out of spec product or potential need to stop a production line to correct or prevent product quality issues
• Uphold established housekeeping standards to prevent microbial contamination of products or ingredients
• Assist in SQF audits
• Work closely with plant and QA leadership in project specific tasks to ensure continued development of new and enhanced products

Physical demands and work environment:

• Ability to handle exposure to temperature changes, high noise levels, and safely working around moving equipment
• Able to stand, walk, kneel/squat, climb, bend and lift up to a maximum of 50 lbs. occasionally

Requirements:

• BS - Biological Sciences
• 2-5 years' experience in Food Microbiology, Food Chemistry and Environmental Monitoring in an FDA regulated facility
• HACCP/PCQI Certification and familiar with GSFI audits
• Must be able to work independently, take initiative and adapt schedule as needed
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft office suite
• Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong persuasion skills in order to facilitate decision-making

Salary: $90K; strong benefits; NO relocation (local candidates); EOE; NO Sponsorship