Lead Quality Control Technician/ SQF Practitioner

IA24-2751159 · Spirit Lake, Iowa · Wendy Jespersen

Job Description

Lead Quality Control Technician Food Manufacturing Facility – Spirit Lake, Iowa A multi-site food manufacturing organization serving both domestic and international markets is seeking a Lead Quality Control Technician to join its Quality team. If you have SQF Practitioner experience, this role can be an SQF Practitioner. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in food manufacturing quality. The Lead Quality Control Technician will play a key role in overseeing daily quality activities on the floor, supporting food safety programs, and serving as a resource for Quality Technicians and production. Key Responsibilities Serve as the on-floor Quality Lead, supporting Quality Technicians and assisting production with quality and food safety issues Monitor and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) Observe and address food safety risks, including product and food-contact surface contamination and employee practices Perform and verify metal detection checks Conduct and document net weight checks to ensure regulatory and specification compliance Understand and execute proper procedures for placing product on hold, including documentation, labeling, segregation, and communication Support daily, weekly, monthly, and annual quality testing, inspections, and procedures Complete daily quality tasks including certificates of analysis, calibration, document collection, sanitation verification, titrations, and physical product testing Perform facility, equipment, and glass inspections Collect finished product samples and environmental swabs Support employee training needs and maintain training documentation Review, update, and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Collect, review, and analyze data; identify issues and support corrective actions Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives Promote food safety culture and ensure compliance with USDA and internal food safety requirements Participate in weekend/holiday rotation at an offsite laboratory as needed Skills & Qualifications Minimum 3 years of experience in a quality role in a RTE facility HACCP certificate desired SQF certificate desired English/Spanish would be a plus Proven team player with strong interpersonal skills Knowledge of documentation systems, procedures, and quality records Ability to follow written and verbal instructions Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to manage multiple tasks Strong attention to detail Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel Physical & Work Environment Requirements Frequent standing, sitting, handling materials, and computer use Regular use of hands and arms; may include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling Ability to occasionally lift 30–50 pounds Work environment ranges from approximately -20°F to 100°F Exposure to wet and dry environments Combination of office, plant floor, and laboratory settings Approximately 50% office and 50% production floor