Quality Assurance Document Specialist

Job Overview

Purpose of the Position

Properly sequences plant production schedule and test schedule to maximize efficiencies and ensure regulatory compliance. Prints, reviews and distributes production and packaging documentation weekly for all lines.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Non-Exempt position. 

Recommends production run sequence to ensure maximum operational efficiency, compliance with regulatory and other guidelines, and optimum product quality. Reviews production needs as set by the planning department and product-related requirements including export regulatory requirements, certification requirements, etc. Recommends production sequence at 3-week, 1-week and ad hoc points. Voices concerns about set-up or schedules that are inefficient or do not comply with product requirements, and recommends alternatives. Ensures the proper flexes of  material are done in a timely fashion. 

Ensures necessary production documentation as required by product-related requirements. Responsible for ensuring the accuracy of shop floor documents throughout the facility, working to avoid errors in end products. Maintains forms for documenting processes and shop floor documents instructions. Provides tracking forms. 

Coordinates the sequence of plant trials, new product startups and test schedules, in close collaboration with the R&D department. Follows pre-determined guidelines to make formula adjustments as needed, and implements additional formula adjustments as directed. Contributes to the review of new formulas, documents and packaging materials. 

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy  possible within the larger organization. 

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. 

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position. 

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations. May lift up to 50 lbs.  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use plant PPE program. 

Travel: Limited travel; may travel a few times a year with an occasional overnight stay.  

Technical Experience: 3 years’ relevant experience, including quality assurance, food manufacturing and thermal processing experience. Experience coordinating process changes, generating issue resolutions, and working in a dynamic operation with multiple priorities required. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation and quality systems required. Strong project management skills, analytical skills to identify potential issues, trends and risks, and excellent mathematical skills required. Proficient with personal computers, including a functional knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite. Experience with IQS and JD Edwards systems preferred. 

Industry Experience: Manufacturing and or food processing organization preferred. 

Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.