Quality Assistant

Who We Are:

Owned by the dynamic and innovative HIG Capital, American Crafts has been a leader in the crafting market since its founding in 1994. HIG Capital, known for fostering growth and excellence in its portfolio companies, brings a new level of energy and ambition to American Crafts. The company is celebrated for its fresh, clean product design and friendly, personalized customer service, offering products that feature bright, vibrant colors and a contemporary feel. These products inspire crafters to record their memories in fun, sophisticated, and stylish ways. Partnering with the world's top retailers, including Walmart, Target, Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, and many more globally, American Crafts stands as one of the most branded and exciting crafts companies in the US.

Who We Are Looking For:
American Crafts' growing Food Crafting division of the company specializes in Bakery and Snack Food Blending and Co-packing following SQF regulations and standards. This position will perform inspection and testing on in-process and finished goods. Provide leadership and expertise in the achievement of manufacturing goals in the areas of safety, quality, production and efficiency. Ensure equipment operators follow quality and production procedures.

Job Responsibilities:

• Partner with Operations and staff to implement SQF desk audit documentation at the food crafting facility, including procedures, policies, forms, training, and training records related to SQF compliance.
• Conduct PCQI Training and Internal Auditing Training.
• Suggest SQF Practitioner Training or provide on-the-job SQF Practitioner experience.
• Ensure food products meet standards set by both the company and regulatory authorities.
• Develop and review quality and safety policies and procedures.
• Manage internal audits, supplier audits, CAPA, complaint systems, and third-party inspections.
• Oversee the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF System, communicating essential information to relevant personnel to ensure effective implementation and maintenance.
• Implement food safety management systems to ensure the safe manufacture of the company’s products.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and quality procedures in production areas.
• Inspect compliance with HACCP guidelines.
• Check adherence to food quality and safety standards, including labeling, specifications, first article inspections, weights, and other quality control metrics.
• Maintain all programs such as HACCP, ensuring products meet all regulatory requirements.
• Develop, update, validate, and reassess the HACCP/Food Safety Plan to achieve the quality and food safety standards expected by customers, providing the necessary support and resources for an effective food safety/quality management system.
• Maintain working systems and operating procedures to ensure compliance with legislation, HACCP, and company policies/goals.
• Establish processes to improve the effectiveness of the SQF system and demonstrate continuous improvement.
• Arrange training courses for production staff based on appraisals and discussions to enhance performance, understanding, hygiene, and quality requirements.
• Address quality, food safety, environmental, and production issues as they arise.
• Facilitate project team/management review meetings, set agendas, publish meeting minutes, and follow up on action items.
• Maintain production personnel training records..
• Identify products that do not meet specifications, placing them on hold with all necessary documentation and communications.
• Collect, test, and record results on sampled products.
• Maintain quality test equipment in proper working order.
• Strive to ensure that only safe and quality food and food packaging products are released from the plant.
• Report all quality deficiencies to the Quality Manager, Shift Supervisor, or Production Manager.
• Maintain a clean and safe working area.
• Report any food safety and quality concerns to the Plant Quality Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience and Education

• 2+ years experience with food safety and quality control in a manufacturing environment
• Needed Certifications: PCQI, HACCP, SQF
• Bi-lingual - English & Spanish

Physical Demands

Frequently involves sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Job Type: Full-time hourly, onsite

Compensation

• Based on experience

What We Offer:

• 401(k)/Roth Matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Appreciation Events
• Employee Discount
• Parental Paid Leave

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) American Crafts provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Crafts complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.