QA Lead

Job Description
Quality Lead - 2nd Shift
Location:
Kraft Heinz - Cedar Rapids
4601 C Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
Plant Overview:

• 3-Shift Operation
• Non- Union Facility with approximately 200 hourly staff members which are a mix of temporary and full-time associates.
• 100% Food Service, 4 bag soup lines, 1 tub line, 18 Kettles, 5 Filling lines, and 4 packaging lines.
• Products include Frozen Soups and Macaroni & Cheese

Company History: Kraft Heinz in Cedar Rapids started as Ashby Soups and was originated in the mid 1980's by Jamie and Shannon Ashby, along with their mother, using family held recipes for many kinds of soups. In the 1990s' the name was changed to Quality Chef Foods. Heinz acquired Quality Chef foods in the mid 2000's. In 2015 Kraft and Heinz merged to become Kraft Heinz as we know it today.
Community Overview:
The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area is known as the cultural corridor. There is always something to do, a site to visit or a show to see! Also, from Cedar Rapids there is an easy commute, great school communities, low crime rates and bike friendly. Cost of living ratio great. Cedar Rapids is a vibrant city, encompassing unique attractions, exciting events, specialty shopping, a dynamic art scene, and a large variety of restaurant and nightlife options. You'll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.
More information on Cedar Rapids, IA can be found at: http://www.cedar-rapids.org/
Job Overview:
Are you ready to join a team that produces quality products that are amongst over 50 household brands in the U.S.? This is a place for you to create your career and make a difference! Kraft Heinz in Cedar Rapids is looking for candidates that want to make great soups!
Provide leadership and support for QA department testing, inspection, and evaluation practices as well as support functions related to materials, production, and sanitation incident management. Assists with planning and implementing food safety programs, such as but not limited to, analytical and micro testing, material coordination, non-conforming product, allergen testing compliance, HACCP, Sanitation, QRMP and QA system management. Initiate and complete food safety incident investigations through using root cause analysis. Complete routine auditing of practices and documentation as assigned as well as review of training, records, and documentation. Complete validation and verification studies of the food safety programs. Complete additional projects related to quality improvements or cost saving initiatives as assigned. Strong leadership, organizational, and technical skills required for this position.
Responsibilities & Duties:

• Involved in leadership of overall activities of the quality assurance department.
• Training and development of department technicians.
• Initiating root cause analysis and problem-solving practices to resolve incidents and held product.
• Participate and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support to all testing functions of the department as needed.
• Knowledge of and assistance to regulatory programs to ensure the factory meets all FDA and USDA regulatory requirements, as well as internal quality system requirements.
• Monitor food safety practices including HACCP and allergen programs.
• Assist with organization of internal and external audits.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality system policies.
• Monitor quality assurance, production, and material inspection, adherence, and compliance as assigned.
• Aid in the advancement of the quality systems and programs.
• Follow all company safety policies and provide recommendations for improvements of processes and programs.
• Responsible for following all Food Safety Policies and Safety Procedures.
• Responsible for Q-RMP standards implementation as defined by the accountability list document.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science-Biology/Chemistry/Food Science or equivalent job experience preferred.
• 5+ years of Quality Assurance experience preferred.
• Able to obtain HACCP certification.
• Proven professional relationships with regulatory agency personnel.
• Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, strong leadership, and task management skills, troubleshoot issues with little supervision.
• Communicate clearly in person, by phone and in writing and Handle stressful situations.
• Analyze, research, and resolve problems, with good follow-up skills.
• Responsible for Q-RMP standards implementation as defined by the accountability list document.
• Employees will follow all safety protocols and perform their job responsibilities in a safe manner. Safety is everyone's responsibility.
• Successful candidates must have the willingness to:

Always perform to the highest level of competence. Cooperate as a team. Be open, especially with information and knowledge. Trust and be trustworthy. Respect others - customers, suppliers, colleagues - and yourself. Be accountable for one's actions.
Work Schedule:
2nd Shift
Benefits & Compensation Overview:

• Medical.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• Additional perks: Pet Insurance, (EAP) Employee Assistance Program, etc.
• (HRA) Health Reimbursement Account or (HSA) Health Savings Account.
• Pay Rate: $26.14
• Start earning PTO at hire, generous
• Non-Union (FOIP) Field Operations Incentive Plan- BONUS PLAN

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
• Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Quality Chef - Cedar Rapids
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected] .