Supervises the day-to-day activities of QS Sensory Technicians to ensure operations and compliance with GSF, customer, and regulatory agency standards for food and packaging quality and safety and enhance product development. Conducts and compiles the results of sensory analysis of finished product to ensure compliance with company, supplier, and product quality, safety, and sanitation standards.

• Quality Management – The position will constantly review and manage the quality performance of QS Sensory Technicians. Review and enhance suppliers’ programs to ensure quality related to sensory and consistency for all products produced.  May be asked to participate in operations testing of new and/or modified products.  Assist Product Development in specification development, enhancement and revisions. {25%}
• Technical Support – Provide technical support to Product Development and Operations in conducting Quality Assurance standards, quality procedures and sensory evaluation requirements. Participate on cross-functional teams as Quality Assurance liaison.  {25%}
• Schedules and conducts sensory panels on finished products, and analyzes and compiles the data to ensure compliance with product quality standards. Notifies management of any trends or results outside of release limits. Supports management efforts to bring product trending toward an out of compliance state back to target. {30%}
• Attends product cuttings at customer or other outside sensory evaluation centers. Provides feedback to the group. Travel is required. (5%)
• Runs the target/reference sample program, which requires monitoring the samples selected for target/reference use, sending samples to customers for target selection, and providing samples to other liquid suppliers within the system. (5%)
• Performs shelf-life studies on new all products. Compiles data, writes the shelf-life report and keeps customers apprised of results, as needed. (10%)
• Monitors laboratory procedures, techniques, and documentation to ensure quality and accuracy of laboratory results. Trains new employees on GSF-specific sensory techniques and practices.  (10%)
• Maintains records, logs of test data, reports, specifications, and other quality procedures to ensure availability of accurate sensory data through Compusense. (10%)
• Assists in customer concern investigations, including evaluation of retains, returned product, and raw materials to help determine concern validity and investigate root cause. (5%)
• Develops and conducts sensory training for internal panelists. Works with the training department to ensure correct personnel receive initial and annual refresher training for continued compliance with internal and customer programs.
• Works with product development on applicable sensory tests, finished product sensory specifications, and other related activities, where required.
• Adheres to food safety, quality and legal compliance. In the event of a crisis (i.e. product recall, fire, etc.) delegate responsibilities as outlined in the Crisis Communications and Management Guide.
• Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary.

Leadership/Management Responsibility

• Day-to-day interaction with QA Managers to discuss quality issues related to sensory. Also discuss product performance and direction for improvement on Quality Systems.
• Provide QA Sensory Technicians with direction, training and support for implementation of various quality sensory initiatives in the facility.
• Assist Product Development in their Product improvement and new product roll out initiatives.
• Assist Compounders & Lead People in sensory quality related to all production products, assist in sensory training of Compounders, QS Lab Technicians, QS Sensory Technicians and Product Development, and helping them in other technical problems related to sensory.  

Performance Categories

• Productivity/quality standards:  test methodology, accuracy and reliability
• Productivity/quality standards:  accuracy, timeliness, thoroughness
• Productivity/quality standards:  safety audits
• Domestic and international regulatory compliance
• Teamwork within the department and across departments
• Project/assignment standards
• Customer satisfaction
• Safety standards and procedures:  food
• Safety standards and procedures:  laboratory equipment and procedures

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology, or related field of science from an accredited college or university

Experience:

2 years minimum of relevant work experience, with an understanding of food safety and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):

• Food safety concepts and techniques (E)
• HACCP programs and related food safety regulations and processes (J)
• Food microbiology (B)
• Food testing concepts and techniques (E)
• Food chemistry (J)
• Raw materials/product interaction (J)
• Sensory Analysis / Evaluation  (J)
• PC word processing/spreadsheet software (J)
• Food processing equipment (B)

Skill and ability to:

• Work independently, self-prioritize workload
• Interpret testing anomalies and identify appropriate solutions
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with internal and external customers verbally and in writing
• Read and process written information with a high degree of accuracy
• Perform a variety of food safety tests
• Work in a laboratory environment (some lifting of product cases may be required)
• Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service
• Act in accordance with GSF’s Values and Creed

Applicants only, no recruiters