Joining King’s Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you’re excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!

The Quality Assurance Technologist serves as senior QA technical resource and liaison between departments, specifically Commissary, Innovation, and Food Science. The individual will report directly to the Commissary QA Manager. The critical technical functions of the position are to assist the cross-functional teams to execute projects, develop, implement, maintain, provide training on, and ensure effectiveness of site food safety and quality functions. The individual must have a quality conscious attitude with emphasis towards a teamwork approach to accomplish project goals and implement solutions to problems. The individual will work independently, be able to multitask, detail oriented, and have good decision-making skills based on the quality process from the beginning of manufacturing to the end. The individual will continually seek to improve oneself and provide technical information to other departments.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Perform routine raw material and finished product QA/C functions as assigned by QA Management, which include but are not limited to the following:
• Process audit
• Laboratory QA/C testing and equipment calibration
• Product sensory evaluation
• Execute non-conformance product protocol (i.e., Hold)
• Assure compliance with food safety and quality standards throughout all operations and processes by conducting process/system audits, developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Support Innovation department in new product / commercialization projects in the Commissary, including but not limited to:

• a) Shelf-life testing, new packaging or raw material testing, process equipment testing, and lab equipment testing

• Assist SQF Practitioner to ensure SQF certification compliance by performing validation audit, updating and developing food safety protocols
• Collect, review, interprets, verify and analyze process QA/C data to identify process improvement opportunities. 
• Assist team to determine root causes for food safety and quality related issues, develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Assist team to generate and to issue food safety and quality reports.
• Serve as senior technical resource for QA Technicians and other Operations personnel.
• Train new QA Technicians and cross-functional team members as required. 
• Develop, implement, train, and maintain documentation for Food Science and Innovation teams. 
• Maintain the food safety plan for Innovation and Food Science Lab facilities, including the facilities maintenance and cleaning schedules to help ensure a safe environment.
• Advises the QA and site Management of food safety and quality issues in a timely manner.
• Places on hold items that do not meet the specifications such as incoming material, work in process, and or finished goods.  Presents reasons for retention and recommends possible solution to the issue.
• Inspects and calibrates equipment used in the lab.  Report non-compliance findings and recommends next step solutions to QA and site Management on a timely manner.
• Monitors and enforces GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), and other employee safety, food safety and quality programs throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Conducts SQF, GMP and other Food Safety and Quality trainings.
• Responsible for CCP verifications and corrective actions.
• Responsible for Quality and Food Safety functions as assigned and outlined in Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program.

• QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology or other related technical field.
• 2 – 3 years of QA/QC experience in food manufacturing or related fields
• Strong working knowledge of common food QA/C laboratory methods.
• Strong working knowledge HACCP and pre-requisite programs. 
• Demonstrated working knowledge of current SQF Food Safety Program, BRC certification, or other GFSI certification requirements.
• Hands-on GMP / Food Safety / Quality System audit experience.
• Familiar with current food regulatory requirements and standards such as those of cGMP
• Demonstrates problem solving skills.
• Able to effectively communicate verbally as well as in writing; demonstrate ability to write effective technical procedures and reports; bilingual in English / Spanish is preferred.
• Able to take on projects with minimum supervision, complete tasks in a proficient manner, and work as a team
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively in team based and fast paced environment.
• Demonstrates effective project management and/or execution skills.
• Demonstrates intermediate to advanced computer skills:  MS Excel / Word / Outlook.
• Able and willing to work flexible schedule.

• Desired Personal Traits

• Team player with good communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, takes initiative, and able to lead and follow.
• Critical and independent thinker.
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to handle an ever-changing work environment.
• Have a “can-do” attitude and be open to constructive feedback and coaching
• Committed to continuous improvement of self and team
• Strong organizational skills; results oriented; tenacious; creative.
• Compensation Range- $25.24- $37.26

 

King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.