Senior Quality Control Specialist

Description

Who are we

Yamamotoyama U.S.A. stands as a testament to the art of traditional Japanese green tea and nori seaweed products, upholding a commitment to unparalleled quality since 1690. Our culture is enriched by diverse backgrounds, all striving to find their unique voice in a harmonious blend. This spirit of unity in diversity extends to our portfolio, which includes the globally recognized Stash Tea Company, offering an expansive array of premium teas. In addition, we proudly present Ujido, a brand deeply rooted in the art and tradition of Japanese Matcha. Our dedication to excellence is not just in our products, but in the mosaic of voices that shape our legacy.

Purpose Of The Role

The Quality Control Specialist plays an integral role within the Quality and Compliance team, responsible for assisting in the management of the quality assurance and compliance activities. This role focuses on supporting the implementation, maintenance and execution of the quality management system to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Document Control: Manage and maintain documentation related to quality standards, procedures, and regulations, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and compliance. Perform all aspects of the maintaining and controlling quality-related documentation, ensuring that records are accurate, complete, accessible, readily available and up-to-date electronic and paper trail. QMS (Quality Management System) and Tracegain (Trustwell) system experience is preferred.
• Quality Audits: Conduct inspection of products (both from co-manufacturers and in-house production) to ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements. Identify non-conformity products and assist in implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Ensure the compliance of the environmental, calibration and weight program. Investigate customer complaints and collaborate with other departments to identify root cause, preventive and corrective actions. Assist in making decisions when product quality and food safety issues are encountered. As necessary, assist in verification of sanitation, and quality programs in general. Ensure temperatures/humidity are within the quality compliance. Manage lab supplies.
• Equipment Calibration: Assist in the testing of equipment and instruments to ensure they are properly calibrated, operated and maintained. Equipment not limited to scales, thermometers, ATP device, water activity devices, moisture analyzer, magnets, etc.
• Quality Analysis for Improvement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data for quality compliance, data such as customer complaints, non-conformity products, and processes. Identify areas for improvement and assist in implementing measures to enhance product quality and processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Support the organization in maintaining compliance with industry-specific regulations and standards. Assist in addressing compliance issues and supporting regulatory audits. Identify, research and gathering relevant information from a variety of sources. Assist with technical review of data or reports that will be incorporated into submissions to assure accuracy, consistency, and clearness.
• Training and Education: Provide training and guidance to employees regarding quality procedures and best practices, ensuring understanding and adherence to quality standards. Training includes but is not limited to food safety, GMPs, SQF, organic, Kosher, and other regulatory/quality compliance. Assist in facilitating food safety culture in the operations, warehouse, and all relevant departments.
  
  

Other duties as assigned.

Core Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Commitment to strategic prioritization, involving strategically managing tasks and projects and making the most of available resources to achieve goals.
• Enterprise Mindset: Innate enterprise mindset, always thinking about the bigger picture and recognizing how the quality department decisions impact overall objectives.
• Strong Communicator: You must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders both internally and externally and galvanize stakeholders commitment around compliance and regulatory needs.
• Integrity : Safety should always be the top priority in food manufacturing.
• Time Management: Using time efficiently to complete projects ahead of schedule when possible, including monitoring deadlines and managing workload effectively.
  
  

Core Behaviors

• Collaboration: Excellent people skills, including experience with conflict resolution and giving and receiving feedback.
• Change Readiness: Enthusiasm for adopting new processes and systems, keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Relationship Building : Must be able to build strong relationships throughout the organization by leveraging trust, collaboration, compromise and creating a shared vision concerning compliance. Must maintain positive relations with all customers, partners, vendors, distributors and address any concerns brought about in a timely manner.
• Adaptability: Highly adaptable and ready to embrace financial and organizational changes, leading direct reports and key stakeholders through department and enterprise-wide transformations. Comply with all food safety, health and safety regulations.
  
  

Effective Decision Making : Use critical thinking skills to make decisions and determine priorities in a timely and informed manner.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Quality Management, Engineering, or a related discipline, is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience and deep knowledge of food manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control principles and procedures, with the ability to learn and adapt to industry-specific regulations and standards. Certification in HACCP, PCQI, or SQF is preferred.
• Familiarity and experience with various countries’ regulations, applicable laws, and food industry standards.
• Familiarity with internal auditing processes and quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001), FDA, AIB, HACCP, HARPC, SQF is a plus.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (or any other ERP) preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis, testing procedures, and the use of quality control tools and equipment.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including the ability to analyze data trends and develop dynamic reports, is preferred
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to the company guidelines and policies
  
  

Physical Requirements

For the role of Quality Control Specialist, the physical requirements are generally minimal due to the office-based nature of the job. However, some physical demands may include:

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• Frequently required to use a computer, including typing and viewing a monitor.
• Regularly required to talk and/or listen in conversations with customers and team members, both in-person and over the phone.
• Occasionally may need to lift and move small office supplies, up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional could involve standing for long periods, walking long distances, and transporting light materials.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computer keyboards, monitors, copiers, and scanners.
• Frequently the use of equipment such as scales, thermometers, cutter, scissors and other relevant instruments, etc.
  
  

Note: The above physical requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $80,000 - $90,000. Our pay ranges are guided by the discipline, level, and experience required. Within the range, individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including your specific location, desired skills/ technical competency, relevant experience, and advanced education/ training. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, LTD, EAP, Wellness Stipend, Vacation Accrual, and 401(k) with Safe Harbor Contribution. In addition, we offer our employees discounts on our product, tuition reimbursement, continuing education support, and more!

Yamamotoyama is an equal opportunity employer. At Yamamotoyama, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that cultivates creativity and innovation. Although rich in history, innovation is woven into our DNA, and this demands diversity of thought. Our commitment to serving our community wholeheartedly compels us to embrace a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, regions, and experiences.