Supplier Quality Technician

Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future!

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more. 

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Heluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat and more.

Job Summary:

The Supplier Quality Technician will be responsible for the inspection of incoming materials and ingredients, ensuring adherence to company specifications and industry standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete full incoming packaging inspections to confirm adherence to specification for all aseptic bottles and caps.
• Complete incoming packaging inspections for all paper, plastic, foil, caps, sleeves, etc. to include sampling and analysis for physical characteristics as well as microbiological compliance. Comparison to established specifications for each material to ensure that all materials are in specification or placed on hold for evaluation by vendor and Hood management.
• Review all incoming ingredient and packaging COA’s daily for adherence to written company specifications with authority to hold product if out of compliance. Review non-conformances with vendor(s) and Hood management for final disposition.
• Maintain testing schedule and positive release on ingredients associated with NSF certified finished production.
• Maintain FTIR ingredient testing equipment in working order with updated ingredient profiles. Maintain and support troubleshooting of aseptic bottle torque removal equipment.
• Collaborate with purchasing group to ensure new labels and packaging are reviewed prior to use and maintain associated inspection records of new products on file for regulatory oversight.
• Evaluate, retest due to nonconformance’s and manage inventory of quarantined raw material.
• Maintain clear communication on all nonconformance’s to Winchester and applicable corporate teams; Issue monthly summary reports timely and accurately.
• Foster close relationship with batching personnel, processing management and quality management to ensure only appropriately reviewed and approved materials are used in production.
• Maintain internal deviation process for materials outside of specification, materials requiring shelf life extensions and/or all other events requiring approved deviations from standard.
• Drive continual quality improvement by coordinating activities and communication associated with the Supplier Corrective Action program for nonconforming materials. Maintain all associated records and act on emerging trends.
• Maintain cross functional capabilities associated with quality lab duties. Duties may include:
  • Pre-weigh kitting in batching.
  • Laboratory testing to meet standards set up in PMO, Standard Methods for the Dairy Industry and FDA 2400 methods requirements.
  • Pulling, logging, and running finished product, processing samples and raw bulk materials for all tests required on each product.
  • Preparing media and other lab controls including but not limited to pour plates, buffer water, etc. Operating autoclave to sterilize plates/equipment while ensuring sterility confirmation.
  • Participating in environmental testing in and around plant including swabbing, air plating, water sampling, etc.
  • Verifying that plant equipment meets sanitation requirements prior to start up.
  • Completing various tasks promoting food safety and quality of company products

Education and Experience:  

• BS/BA in related science and/or equivalent job experience in a quality role of a food manufacturing plant
• Prior experience in packaging in food manufacturing
• Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, dairy standards and CIP sanitation.
• Ability to read and use QA tools.
• Ability to interpret quality print-outs, capability studies, X-Bar and R Charts, and histograms.

Skills and Competencies:

• Adapts to changes in the work environment
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills
• Work effectively with team members to accomplish department and plant goals

Physical Requirements:

• Standing: Long periods (a minimum of 8+ hours)
• Sitting: Occasionally for short periods
• Walking: Long periods
• Bending: Frequently
• Lifting: Light (10+ lbs.) frequently
• Carrying: Light (10-15 lbs.) frequently

Performance Standards:

• Comply with performance criteria, standards of conduct, employment procedures and responsibilities as described in the HP Hood Guidebook and applicable site supplement.
• Adhere to all safety and environmental protocols, procedures and training. Maintain a safe work environment at all times and immediately report and take appropriate action to correct safety concerns.
• Comply with all Good Manufacturing Practices, including GMP dress code standards.
• Responsible for reporting to work in a condition to work at scheduled times and communicating tardiness and absences according to the Call-Off Procedure and Attendance Policy.

SQF Requirements/Responsibilities:

• Maintaining food safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner.
• Monitoring of incoming goods & services
• Report food safety problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
• Supporting the following Programs:
  • Corrective and Preventative Action Program
  • Finished Product and Raw Material Release Program
  • Coordinating the Internal Audit Program
  • Customer Complaint Program
  • Conducting Mock Recalls
• The Coordination of the HACCP Program

Site Specific Requirements:

• Frequent Overtime
• P4/P7 Line Work Requirements

Environmental Concerns:

• May be subject to exposure to ingredients used in the manufacture of food products including allergens.
• May be subject to exposure to chemicals involved in the manufacture and sanitation of a food processing facility.

HP Hood is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Female/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

"VERVRAA Federal Contractor"

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For Applicants in Massachusetts - It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Employment is subject to verification of an applicant’s identity and eligibility for employment in the United States as required by immigration laws. We are unable to assist with sponsorship at this time.