QA Inspection Specialist

Schedule: Monday- Friday 6:am- 2:30pmDuration: 4 monthsJob Details:The purpose of the position is to conduct detailed product safety and quality inspections of perishable food products delivered to Client's distribution centers. The primary purpose of this position is to assure that only fresh wholesome products which meet client's food safety & quality standards are received into the distribution center and maintained through distribution to retail supporting our mission to provide our customers with wholesome, fresh and high-quality products. In addition, this position supports regulatory compliance requirements specific to Seafood HACCP and FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act.Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform hands-on and detailed inspections of inbound deliveries of multiple commodities delivered to ensure compliance with federal, state, local and company requirements for quality, condition, wholesomeness, package integrity, temperature, expiration or pack dates, proper counts, weights, and sizes.

• Maintain up to date knowledge of procurement specifications, FDA Food Code, FDA, USDA, state and local regulations.
• Conduct detailed produce quality evaluations on key focus items verifying the grade, brix, firmness, color, condition and eating quality and report results to commodity buyers and merchandisers.
• Conduct Seafood HACCP inspections and accurately complete all required records in accordance with the Seafood HACCP Plan.
• Conduct ripening of bananas to assure quality fruit is shipped to the stores. Ensure all aspects of this program are performed to company standards within the distribution center. Communicate banana ripening results to buyers and key associates as needed and drive continuous improvement in the program.
• Conduct regular inspections of banana ripening rooms to ensure they are maintained and cleaned in accordance with company standards.
• Conduct daily surveillance and aged inventory inspections of produce storage coolers to assure product is rotated correctly and is being shipped to the stores in a timely manner so as to maintain freshness for the customer.
• Conduct daily code date inspections of other commodities to ensure products are properly rotated and shipped to stores within company remaining shelf life standards.
• Conduct daily preventative controls monitoring records/checklists for effective monitoring of critical control points, preventative controls and prerequisite programs. Properly report findings and initiate corrective actions as required.
• Work with category and commodity buyers to enforce quality specifications covering all incoming products.
• Provide commodity buyers with information related to quality levels of incoming products.
• Work with commodity buyers to ensure proper disposition of products refused for quality issues.
• Ensure commodity buyers are made aware of any problems having an adverse effect on product quality and are involved in proper disposition of suspected products.
• Monitor and investigate store complaints of poor quality. Initiate immediate corrective actions, identify root cause(s)
• and report to distribution and commodity teams as appropriate.
• Act as a liaison between distribution and the commodities teams.
• Be a resource to our business partners and suppliers.
• Maintain and observe good/safe working practices as they pertain to OSHA guidelines. Immediately report unsafe conditions/working practices to management and assist in the implementation of corrective actions.

Basic Qualification:

• High school diploma/equivalent
• Self-motivated and able to function with minimal supervision, yet work within a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Have experience as a produce, meat or seafood manager or produce receiving associate
• Knowledgeable of USDA Standards, Rules and Regulations and have the ability to identify certain species, diseases, varieties and defects and determine their severity as it relates to accepting or rejecting product at delivery.
• Familiar with Federal , State and Local regulatory requirements
• Must be available to work shifts which may include nights and weekends.
• Ability to complete Food Protection Manager Certification & Seafood HACCP Certification Training.

Preferred Qualification:

• Advanced knowledge of USDA Standards of all produce commodities
• Three to five years as produce manager, produce distribution or equivalent produce experience
• Food Protection Manager Certification
• Seafood and Basic HACCP Certification

Skills and Abilities:

• Good computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to multi-task
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Team player
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to work in a refrigerated environment with appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ability to use inspection tools to conduct
• Ability to lift product weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Weekend and Night work as needed
• Travel required as needed

About US Tech Solutions:US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit www.ustechsolutions.com.US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.