Quality Control Supervisor

Job Summary: The Quality Control Supervisor leads the day-to-day work of the Quality Control team and laboratory. This position is responsible for maintaining qualified QC coverage, assigning and monitoring daily work, training and evaluating technician competency, addressing routine employee performance concerns, and ensuring required inspections, sampling, chemical and physical testing, and record reviews are completed accurately and on time.

The supervisor is expected to make routine decisions independently within approved procedures, specifications, and delegated authority. The position has authority to stop an activity and place product or materials on hold when food safety, quality, identity, labeling, traceability, or specification conformance may be compromised.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Daily QC Oversight

·         Lead, schedule, train, coach, and support QC technicians; maintain appropriate coverage for production and laboratory activities.

·         Assign daily priorities, monitor completion, and follow up on missed, incomplete, or inaccurate work.

·         Ensure technicians are trained and qualified on approved procedures, specifications, testing methods, and equipment.

·         Address routine GMP, documentation, and workflow concerns and ensure appropriate follow-up.

·         Provide regular coaching, feedback, and recognition to QC employees.

·         Address routine performance or conduct concerns promptly and consistently, coordinating with the Quality Manager and Human Resources as appropriate.

·         Make timely decisions based on available information and follow through to ensure routine issues are addressed and required actions are completed.

·         Promptly communicate and escalate significant food safety, quality, regulatory, safety, or product concerns to the Quality Manager.

Testing, Inspection, and Product Control

·         Oversee routine chemical and physical testing, including pH, water activity, salt or salinity, and other approved product tests.

·         Review test results and QC records for accuracy, completeness, traceability, and conformance to approved specifications.

·         Respond to unusual or out-of-specification results according to procedure, including containment, authorized retesting, documentation, and escalation.

·         Place affected product or material on hold and maintain clear status control until an authorized disposition is completed.

·         Verify required product, packaging, label, lot-code, weight, changeover, receiving, and pre-operational checks are completed as required.

·         Handle routine QC staffing, workflow, testing, documentation, and GMP matters independently within established procedures and assigned authority.

Laboratory Readiness and Quality Support

·         Maintain laboratory instruments, calibration and verification records, reference standards, reagents, glassware, and supplies in clean, organized, serviceable condition.

·         Support audits, investigations, corrective actions, food safety activities, and continuous improvement projects within the QC function.

·         Communicate issues clearly, recommend next steps, and escalate significant food safety, regulatory, customer, employee safety, or product-disposition matters to the Quality Manager.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

·         Minimum of two years of quality control experience in a food manufacturing environment. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

·         At least one year of direct supervisory experience or equivalent responsibility for scheduling, training, coaching, work assignment, and employee follow-up.

·         Hands-on experience performing and interpreting routine chemical and physical product testing, including pH, water activity, and salt or salinity testing.

·         Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP-based food safety systems, allergen controls, product specifications, holds, releases, traceability, and corrective action.

·         Experience with laboratory instrument calibration, verification, basic troubleshooting, and out-of-specification response.

·         Ability to make timely decisions, manage competing priorities, communicate clearly, and remain composed during production or quality issues.

·         High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Associate degree, bachelor's degree, technical certificate, or related coursework in Food Science, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred. A degree is not required.

·         HACCP, SQF, PCQI, or related food safety training.

·         Experience with electronic quality or production systems and Microsoft Office.

·         Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

·         Work is performed in office, laboratory, warehouse, and food production environments.

·         Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, use computers and laboratory equipment, and perform work requiring manual dexterity.

·         Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and comply with all PPE, GMP, hygiene, and safety requirements.

·         Occasional schedule adjustments may be required for planned production, employee coverage, audits, training, or urgent quality events.

Other Duties:

·         Follow food safety and quality protocols.

·         Follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), housekeeping and safe work practices.

·         Other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

Circle U Foods offers a benefits package that includes:

·         Company paid employee-only health (HMO), dental, vision, and life insurance. A PPO health plan is offered with a cost share.

·         Voluntary insurance plans for short-term disability coverage, Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness.

·         Additional voluntary life insurance policy available

·         Accrued Paid Time Off: 0-5 years, 2 weeks; 5-10 years, 3 weeks; 10+ years 4 weeks

Equal Opportunity Employer
Circle U Foods is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, performance, and business needs without unlawful discrimination.

Conditions of Employment

·         Eligibility to Work: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide appropriate documentation to complete the I-9 verification process.

·         Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

·         Transportation Requirement: Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work to meet job attendance and punctuality requirements.

·         Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates must successfully pass a background check and drug test.