Quality Continuous Improvement Technincan

Summary

The Quality Continuous Improvement Technician (QCI Tech) plays a crucial role in driving daily quality improvement initiatives at Wonderbrands bakeries. This position is responsible for conducting thorough quality checks, documenting deviations using iQMS and Cereboro, and working with the Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineering team to perform root cause analyses. By ensuring all issues are properly diagnosed and assigned to the appropriate functional areas, the QCI Tech helps maintain and enhance product quality.

QCI Techs also champion product quality improvements by actively participating in Quality Huddles as part of the VQS process, ensuring that detailed product information is available for evaluation. They utilize Six Sigma methodologies for data gathering and analysis to identify effective improvement solutions and collaborate with R&D, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to support issue resolution.

Beyond addressing quality concerns, QCI Techs play a key role in sustaining improvements by monitoring product quality, collecting data, reporting deviations, and supporting the implementation of quality programs and continuous improvement initiatives. This role emphasizes the use of technology and data analytics to enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additionally, QCI Techs support the Bakery Quality Manager (BQM) in ensuring adherence to all Quality Assurance programs, including HACCP, and actively participate in preparing for BRC audits, further strengthening the bakery’s commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Product Quality & Process Monitoring

• Actively contribute to product quality improvements by collaborating with bakery teams.
• Monitor production processes and parameters to ensure compliance with recipes and ingredient specifications.
• Perform routine quality inspections on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Verify packaged products meet quality standards.
• Work with Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineers to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

2. Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of quality checks, test results, and deviations using tools like iQMS.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (CFIA, FDA, USDA, SQF, BRC, GFSI) and internal policies.
• Document all Quality Assurance (QA) processes and maintain necessary records.
• Assist in audit preparation and execution (internal, third-party, regulatory).

3. Quality Huddles & Continuous Improvement

• Actively participate in daily Quality Huddles, collecting and analyzing relevant samples.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve quality deviations.
• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and efficiency.

4. Food Safety & Sanitation

• Verify that sanitation procedures are followed to maintain a hygienic production environment.
• Conduct environmental monitoring and swab testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Enforce allergen control and cross-contamination prevention measures.

5. Training & Team Collaboration

• Educate production staff on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and quality standards.
• Work closely with R&D, Engineering, and Operations teams to support new product development and process improvements.

6. Investigation & Reporting

• Conduct root cause analysis on quality defects and customer complaints.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to prevent recurring issues.
• Generate and present quality reports to management.

7. Labeling, Packaging & Product Testing

• Ensure accurate labeling, coding, and packaging in compliance with regulations.
• Verify allergen declarations, ingredient lists, and nutritional information for accuracy.
• Conduct shelf-life evaluations to assess product stability and monitor packaging integrity to prevent contamination.

8. Learning & Skill Development

• Gain expertise in Six Sigma methodology as it applies to quality improvement.
• Obtain a Green Belt in Six Sigma within one year of starting the QCI Tech position.
• Act as a Six Sigma champion, sharing knowledge and promoting best practices within the bakery team.

Required Experience

Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in quality assurance, continuous improvement, or a related role in a food manufacturing environment.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills and logical thinking to conduct root cause analysis effectively.
• Ability to analyze production data and generate actionable insights.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and industry best practices (preferred).
• Experience with quality management software, data analytics tools, and automation systems (a plus).
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies (preferred).

Soft Skills & Work Ethic

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

FGF Group Competencies

Adaptive Intelligence - Team Members respond effectively to challenges by evolving their skills, mindset, and approach.

• Flexibility, Agility, Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments by embracing continuous change. Quickly adjusts to new priorities and actively seeks innovative solutions. Uses setbacks as opportunities for growth
• and applies a relentless focus on improving outcomes. Approaches challenges with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset and openness to feedback.
• Calculated Risk-Taking: Makes strategic decisions by evaluating options and creating contingency plans.

Collaborative Intelligence - Collaborative intelligence empowers teams to unlock collective strengths and achieve results through synergy and mutual trust.

• Team First and Collaboration: Engages with Team Members and colleagues, builds relationships, and fosters an inclusive, innovative environment.

Entrepreneurial Intelligence - Equips Team Members to identify opportunities, overcome setbacks, and move ideas to execution effectively.

• Continuous Improvement: Drives innovation and optimizes processes to enhance quality and productivity.
• Customer and Product Focus: Addresses need proactively with accountability and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Fierce Execution: Achieves results with a strategic and hands-on approach, learning from mistakes and building trust.

Leadership Competencies

Inspire & Energize Team Members

• Continually inspires and develops Team Members and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Supports, shared knowledge and experience with your Team through authentic conversations and development planning
• Communicates clear expectations
• Uses insight and knowledge to influence others
• Understands and acknowledge differences and modifies style to support unleashing potential
• Demonstrates patience and empathy, while listening

Create Winning Relationships

• Inspire enthusiasm & commitment by communicating a clear path to success
• Empowers others by delegating and providing support and opportunities for growth
• Identifies, raises and resolves conflict
• Builds trust and models the “Coach Approach”

Entrepreneurial Leadership

• Encourages informed risk-taking and supports learning from outcomes.
• Creates an environment where your team enjoys working hard while having fun
• Provides feedback to reinforce results

Disclaimer: The above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills. Please keep in mind that other duties may be added, or this description may be amended at any time.

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