Food Technologist

Department: Research & Development/Quality Control

Reports to: R&D/QC Director/QC Manager

FLSA Category: Exempt

Type of Position: Full time/Non Union

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the R&D/QC Director/QC Manager, set standards for producing, packaging and marketing foods. Also responsible for performing prescribed quality control tests, maintain corresponding records and create associated certification and/or control charts for raw materials, products and related quality processes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enforce HACCP, GMPs and Food Safety & Security plans/procedures; update and maintain to ensure compliance with federal, state regulations and other regulatory agencies, at all times.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all products manufactured by the plant as well as raw materials, packaging materials and operations required in the manufacturing process including quality specifications and standards.
• Develop food standards, safety and sanitary regulations and waste management and water supply specifications.
• Perform routine facility walkthroughs and communicate findings/problems to the Quality Control Manager and follow-up to ensure that corrective action is taken or will be taken.
• Perform pre-operational, operational and post operation checks, daily.
• Write quality control/assurance programs; maintain and file all records and reports on a daily basis.
• Review daily prerequisite food safety and quality control records; follow and improve quality control SOPs and perquisite programs.
• Oversee all aspects of sanitation as per the Master Sanitation Schedule and ensure that tasks are completed, effectively.
• Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing and finished products for safety, quality and nutritional value.
• Supervise and participate in all phases of production, i.e., pre-operation, make-up, packaging and wash down, as necessary.
• Inspect incoming goods and advise supervisors of off specification goods; alert regulatory agency of any safety hazards, when necessary.
• Check product formulations (recipes); monitor conditions at critical control points; audit quality data records; adjust recipes within modification parameters; stop productions when process is out of control.
• Ensure that the calibration of all testing instruments are accurate and meet company standards.
• Analyze product quality including sensory evaluation to determine if product meets quality standards and ensure that quality standards are being met.
• Ascertain that only authorized materials are in the processing areas and that deleterious substances are properly segregated.
• Conduct sanitation inspections in production plant; spot check employee practices; monitor pest and rodent control programs, regularly.
• Approve lots and quarantine off-standard lots, as is necessary.
• Perform verification on all HACCP records, prerequisite records, and other records relating to food safety quality control.
• Ensure product compliance with regulatory agencies and ensure that the company is adhering to quality standards; guide production staff on quality standards.
• Monitor warehousing operations; investigate quality complaints; participate in recall plan; conduct sanitation inspections and spot checks; monitor pest and rodent control programs, regularly.
• Handle ATP and allergen control testing, as required.
• Review labels and raw materials, routinely.
• Take samples of products being produced, analyze and record results; conduct collaborative analyses; conduct trouble shooting investigations; inform management of relevant quality information; report unusual product quality deficiencies; suggest corrective measures and follow-through.
• Monitor and approve supplier performance, routinely.
• Conduct and participate in internal and third party audits.
• Participate in/or initiate Mock Recall.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints.
• Supervise Line Checkers and QC Assistants to ensure that timely checks and tests are being done accurately.
• Assist and/or train production employees on work processes, food safety and quality procedures, as required on a daily basis.
• Work on special projects.
• Perform other duties in the absence of the QC Assistant or Line checkers.
• Perform any other duties for Caribbean Food Delights and/or any of the related companies as assigned and unilaterally determined by Caribbean Food Delights.

CRITICAL POSITION BEHAVIORS:

Multi-tasking – Handles conflicting priorities and meet deadlines. Effectively respond to pressure or crisis situations.

Critical thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Quality Control Analysis – Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality of performance.

Customer Service – Approachable, friendly and courteous in responding to inquiries and requests.

Detail Oriented – Thoroughly and accurately completes a task.

Safety & Security- Promotes and personally observe the safety and security of equipment and products.

Interpersonal – Interacts comfortably with individuals of varied backgrounds and organizations.

Communication – Good verbal and written skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Frequent walking, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; prolonged standing; frequent verbal communication; frequent and repetitive keyboarding motion. Ability to operate standard office equipment – computer, facsimile machine, photocopier, calculator, multi-line telephone system, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology or Food Science or Equivalent

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Data Entry software

Minimum two (2) year’s work related experience

Proficiency in product development

Proficiency in working knowledge of plant equipment, plant processes and facilities

Ability to independently design and execute experiments using recognized procedures

Demonstrated technical competence

Good communication and customer service skills

Ability to operate standard office equipment – computer, facsimile, machine, photocopier, calculator, multi-line telephone system, etc.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION CAN BE UNILATERALLY MODIFIED BY CARIBBEAN FOOD DELIGHTS, AT ANY TIME WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE AND IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.