GC FARMS

Job Role & Responsibilities

Job Role: Quality Assurance Project Specialist
Reports to: FSQA Manager (site specific)
Revision Date: 4/20/2021
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary of Position:
The Quality Assurance Project Specialist is responsible for completing projects/reports assigned by the Quality Manager and/or senior management team. This position requires a high level of coordination between departments and excellent project organization skills. The Project Specialist will need to document the results of studies and communicate project outcomes to the senior management team. The Project Specialist will lead process validation studies, new product validations and line studies for ongoing improvement and compliance to regulatory requirements. This role with support the quality assurance and compliance department needs as it arises. Based on experience and training the Project Specialist may be the delegate for some FSQA manager duties.

Essential Duties for all Employees:
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment that promotes work safety and product integrity.
• Must follow all Safety, HACCP & GMP requirements at all times.
• Adaptable to a fast paced environment.
• Willing to be flexible to accommodate changing business conditions.
• Ensure cleanliness around facility, freezer and production area.

Job Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Completion of assigned projects.
2. Line studies
3. Validation studies
4. Process analysis for product efficiencies and deficiencies
5. Procedures and Form creation based off of findings
6. Document Management as needed
7. Participate in continuous improvement teams, such as the Internal Audit team.
8. Cross-training on key processing equipment
9. Trial studies- new or potential R&D products
10. Tracking and trending of key department items
11. Raw material grading program
12. Foreign material analysis

Qualifications:
1. College degree in Food Science and Technology, Biology, Chemistry or related field.
2. Some agricultural, food processing experience preferred.
3. Attention to detail for record-keeping.
4. General understanding of manufacturing process and equipment.
5. Ability to follow directions.

Physical Requirements:
Standing/Walking: Frequently (34 - 66%)
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Occasionally (12 - 33%)
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Occasionally (12 - 33%)
Grasping/Feeling: Regularly (67 - 100%)
Sitting: Regularly (67 - 100%)

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity
George Chiala Farms, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, please contact Karen Dawes, Vice President:
Karen.Dawes@gcfarms.com
408-591-4051

La Tourangelle

PROTEIN RESEARCH

Job Title: Technical Services Admin.
Department: Compliance
Reports to: Technical Services Specialist
Classification: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY: Provides the formulation and pre-formulation administrative support for all new product development projects and updates to existing products. Assemble, review, and create technical documents required for compliance of manufacturing Dietary Supplement and Nutritional products. Act as a liaison between cross functional departments such as Sales, Customer Service, R&D, Compliance and Quality to ensure that products are being produced to specification.

DUTIES:
The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons

• Compile and review all MMR (Master Manufacturing Record) elements and route for approval.
• Initiate and manage project tracking system for any MMR updates, i.e., formula changes, label updates, specification updates, etc. to completion and approval of new revision.
• Work with Research and Development and multidisciplinary project teams to optimize product transfers for efficient Commercialization.
• Creation of Master Manufacturing Record PDFs.
• Enter nutritional data for ingredients into Genesis once the raw material is approved.
• May assist with certification submissions, and maintenance of programs: Organic, NSF, GFCO, NGMO Project Verified, Kosher, etc.
• Assist in the creation of deviations when required.
• Assist in filing of batch records and other documents when needed.
• Perform data entry, documentation, and administrative tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned by manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The individual (s) is responsible for complying with all rules and regulations in the Employee Handbook and the Safety Manual (IIPP).

• The individual (s) is responsible for completing all of the above duties as required within the required time frame.
• The individual (s) must follow all SOPs, GMPs, Safety Rules and other State and Federal Health Guidelines as required by Protein Research.
• The individual (s) must comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, NSF, and SQF regulations.
• It is the responsibility of the individuals to communicate with his or her supervisor when and as necessary to complete their jobs as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• At least one to two years in nutritional industry is preferred
• Previous administrative experience required
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ERP Software, able to learn new software easily.
• Proficient in Genesis R&D and Supplement, ideal
• Experience creating, editing, raw material and finished good specifications, ideal
• Experience with Batch Records, MMRs, and production facilities ideal
• Desire to learn about products and procedures and ability to apply those learnings
• Has the ability to call out when an observation creates significant risk to the organization and should be elevated
• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow
• Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Acute attention to detail and ability to review and edit documentation for accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, GMPs, and product/process lifecycle a plus
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace
• Bilingual skills a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously
• Collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information
• Utilize visual acuity to operate computer, read technical information, and/or use a keyboard.
• Sit on an office chair for long periods of time.
• Reach, twist, kneel, squat body to file and reach office equipment on your desk.
• Use hands and fingers to control equipment for forms of communication. (i.e., phone, email, etc.) by grasping, reaching, and using finger dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Majority of this position takes place in an office environment. Rarely you may be asked to go out to production where temperatures are cool/hot and noise levels can be moderate to high.
• At times, this position is required to wear common protective and/or safety gear, i.e., gloves, face mask, hairnet, uniform, etc.
• At times, this position is exposed to small particles, odors, and allergens.

To apply, please contact:
Cynthia Troetschler
Technical Services Specialist
ctroetschler@proteinresearch.com

GC Farms

Reports to: Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director
Revision Date: 3/4/2019
FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary of Position:
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager is qualified to give direction related to food safety and product quality in any area needed in the plant. The FSQA must demonstrate strong communication and investigation skills particularly when handling quality related issues and subsequent corrective/preventive actions.

Essential Duties for all Employees:

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment that promotes work safety and product integrity.
• Must follow all Safety, HACCP & GMP requirements at all times.
• Adaptable to a fast paced environment.
• Willing to be flexible to accommodate changing business conditions.
• Ensure cleanliness around facility, freezer and production area.

Job Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage food safety programs including, but not limited to: pest control, environmental monitoring, customer complaints, hold and release, recall/traceability.
• Oversee the food testing program; including finished product sampling, ATP testing, environmental swabbing. Ensure appropriate action taken for out of specification results.
• Facilitate and lead first, second and third party food safety/quality audits and serve as primary contact for FDA visits.
• Responsible for understanding and ensuring compliance to all applicable food regulations (national, state, local and customer.)
• Complete daily review of FSQA paperwork for accuracy and positive release program.
• Manage internal food safety and quality controlled document systems, nonconformance, CAPA, change control, internal audit and other FSQA programs.
• Manage issues with non-conforming product; manage hold inventory/disposition, minimize losses and provide preventive action plan to eliminate future occurrences.
• Provide leadership and technical support in quality management systems, HACCP, FSMA/Food Safety Plan, National Organic Program, validation and verification activities, and customer requirements.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with the Global Food Safety Initiative Standards (GFSI)
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build relationships and meet goals with employees and customers at all levels of the organization, differing styles, and multiple functions.
• Provide training program information to production workers and other staff on process controls, HACCP, Allergens, GMPs, Sanitation and other Food Safety and Quality requirements. Communicate food safety and quality requirements with production, maintenance, sanitation

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Food Science, Microbiology or similar degree with 5+ years of progressive food industry experience in food safety and quality assurance.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in quality system design and management.
• Experience with and understanding of US regulations including FSMA. PCQI certification preferred.
• Experience with auditing and training.
• Expertise in implementing and maintaining GFSI food safety and quality management programs.
• Strong written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, statistical process control and root cause analysis programs.
• Ability to work independently
• Knowledge of Organic, Kosher, Halal certification programs

Physical Requirements:
Most duties require sitting, standing and walking. Certain tasks may require bending and lifting. The FSQA supervisor works in office, laboratory and food processing areas. The job may require climbing up and down ladders.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity
George Chiala Farms, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, please contact:
Karen Dawes
Vice President
Karen.Dawes@gcfarms.com

Ripple Foods

Ripple is looking for a Senior Food Technologist to help further strengthen our Product Development Team. This person will have an integral role in leading the product development of our next wave product innovations, while also lending technical support to our growing base business. We are looking for a candidate with a strong food science foundation, and a demonstrated expertise in product innovation, to help Ripple advance its’ mission of making sustainable and delicious plant-based foods.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
A successful candidate will be an important member of the product development team, responsible for conducting benchtop formulations, experiments, and leading manufacturing line trials across a portfolio of diverse plant-based food products. Specific tasks include:

• Independently leads the benchtop development of food formulations with varying levels of complexity
• Collaborates closely with teammates to commercialize products in a pilot plant and/or factory setting
• Represents the Product Development team on cross-functional project teams and delivers technical presentations at R&D meetings and to leadership
• Plan and conduct shelf-life and stability studies for products, and present results to technical teams.
• Collaborate with other technical team members to develop and approve manufacturing and product specifications.
• Supports manager in creating and executing product development project plans
• Independently directs the activities of external vendors, including ingredients and services

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have 3-6+ years of product development experience with demonstrated expertise working on complex food formulations. Experience working on high growth natural foods, beverages, or CPG brand(s) highly preferred. The candidate will also have great scientific and personal skills, including:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in food science, food technology, or a related field
• Extensive ingredient, flavor development, and product stability knowledge
• Innate curiosity for understanding complex food systems from a physical and chemical perspective
• Knowledge and experience in conducting sensory evaluations
• Good laboratory practices including organized data documentation and presentation, attention to detail, and ability to follow batch protocols
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects/tasks at any given time
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the time
• Strong computer skills, especially working with nutritional software, spreadsheets, and quality systems
• Thermal pasteurization and/or sterilization of food products
• Proven teamwork and collaboration in small groups

Bonus points if you have experience with:

• Culinary arts and/or flavor development
• Product development of dairy and/or plant-based food products

Ripple Highlights

• An inclusive and collaborative environment where all ideas are welcome, iteration is encouraged, and the best ideas are adopted. As a certified B-corporation we go the extra mile to ensure our business benefits our employees, our consumers, our local community and the world around us.
• Health care coverage for you and your family: Ripple covers 100% for employees and 80% for dependents
• Generous time off: the freedom you need to take time away from work to rest and recharge
• Pay It Forward or Give It Back: 20 hours paid time each year to volunteer. Join a planned event or volunteer individually for a cause that matters to you
• Paid bonding leave for new parents and pregnancy disability leave
• Financial and Emotional Wellness Programs: Equity grants, 401(k) offering, life insurance and access to our Employee Assistance Program

To apply, please contact:
Devi Wijaya
Associate Director, R&D
devi@ripplefoods.com
www.ripplefoods.com

Ripple Foods

Ripple is looking for a R&D Manager to help further strengthen our Product Development Team. Reporting to our Associate Director of R&D, this person will have an integral role in leading the product development of our next wave product innovations, while also lending technical support to our growing base business. We are looking for a candidate with a strong food science foundation, demonstrated expertise in innovation, deep experience in the commercialization of products from bench to manufacturing facility, and a strong business acumen, to help Ripple advance its mission of making sustainable and delicious plant-based foods. This position will spend 80% of time in Product Development and 20% of time in people management. Prior CPG experience is ideal for this position.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
A successful candidate will be an integral member of the product development team. Specific tasks include:

• Being a vocal and influential product development leader that provides solutions for team, project, and department challenges.
• Independently lead the benchtop and pilot plant development of food formulations that involve high levels of complexity. Supports the commercialization of products at the manufacturing facility.
• Independently creates and executes product development project plans within our stage gate process, with minimal supervision.
• Supports the optimization of formulations and processes, as well as troubleshoot when the need arises.
• Represents the Product Development team on cross-functional project teams and delivers technical presentations at R&D meetings and to leadership.
• Manages a team of 1-2 high performing technologists and technicians.
• Independently directs the activities of external vendors, including ingredients and services.
• Plays the role of janitor, receptionist, IT-person, printer-jam-clearer, and general pitcher-inner alongside everyone else at Ripple

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have at least 8+ years of product development experience with demonstrated expertise on commercializing complex food formulations across multiple product platforms. Experience working on high growth natural foods, beverages, or CPG brand(s) preferred. The candidate will also have great scientific and personal skills, including:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in food science, food technology, nutrition, or a related field
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
• Extensive ingredient, flavor development, emulsion stability, sensory evaluation, and shelf-life knowledge
• Innate curiosity for understanding complex food systems from a physical and chemical perspective
• Ability to rapidly synthesize and integrate consumer insights into project plans
• At least 1-2 yrs experience in people management or R&D professionals.
• Good laboratory practices including organized data documentation and presentation, attention to detail, and ability to follow batch protocols
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects/tasks at any given time
• Strong computer skills, especially working with nutritional software, spreadsheets, and quality systems
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proven success in development using thermal pasteurization and/or sterilization of food products
• Proven teamwork and collaboration in small groups

Bonus points if you have experience with:

• Product development of dairy and/or plant-based food products
• Experience in stage gate process in New Product Development projects
• R&D experience in both big CPG and smaller start-ups highly desired

Finally, you need to be able to roll up your sleeves and do whatever needs to be done, because, despite our early successes, this is still a start-up!

To apply, please contact:
Devi Wijaya
Associate Director, R&D
devi@ripplefoods.com
www.ripplefoods.com

Flavor Insights

Position Description: R&D Application Technician
Job Type: Full Time
Pay Range: $50,000-$60,000
Desired Start Date: ASAP
Department: Research & Development
Location: Benicia, CA

Submit Resume and Cover Letter to jcohen@fiflavors.com

About Us:

Flavor Insights was established in 2016 with a mission to make products taste amazing. Having helped build a beverage category with an iconic protein brand, we understand the importance of quality, trust, and speed. We specialize in sweet flavors that bring sports nutrition, energy, enhanced beverages, flavored alcohol, and much more to life. We are here to guide our customers through the process of product development, understanding market trends, defining product ideas, reformulating, testing, and helping the commercialization process to launch a successful product. We offer more than just great flavor. We offer a full flavor product development package.

We are looking for someone passionate about food and beverage to join our application team!
Our team is comprised of individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives that allow us to work collaboratively with one another and learn from each other to develop great products, delicious flavors, and deliver solutions for our customers. Being a part of the Flavor Insights team is more than just helping to launch products. We are looking to build upon our team to continue to be a tight knit and genuine group that is passionate about winning.

Essential Functions:

• Support development on new product formulations of food and beverage products in various delivery formats.
• Work with the R&D Lead Scientist to evaluate formulations for customer approval. 
• Input formula data into ESHA Genesis R&D to calculate nutrition facts panels when needed.
• Utilize knowledge of food ingredients, food science principles, and consumer marketing insights to help develop new products and formulas.
• Assume the role of an innovator demonstrating initiative, creativity, and thoroughness in the execution of complex projects.
• Conduct a wide range of analytical, sensory, consumer, shelf life, and product stability studies.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Applications and Flavor teams.
• Develop new food formulations that meet customers' needs and demonstrate the performance of our flavors and technologies in the application.
• Work in an organized manner following Standard Operating Procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Company’s Safety Procedures.
• Prepare mixing equipment and work area(s) as needed to complete batching samples.
• Accurately notate all required information including but not limited to quantities, lot numbers and mixing information.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Chemistry, Related Field, or 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in a lab environment.
• Capable of following written instructions, able to effectively work with computers and computerized equipment with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge on Excel. Experience with Genesis R&D is a plus but not required.
• Ability to organize high volumes of projects and manage multiple deadlines.
• Open and honest communicator.
• Strong attention to detail and be able to keep accurate records of formulations.
• Have a great work ethic and able to work well in a collaborative setting.
• Candidate will be expected to handle and consume all 8 major food allergens.
• Close proximity to our facility in Benicia, CA.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. or more.

Submit Resume and Cover Letter to jcohen@fiflavors.com

Albertsons Companies

About the company
Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. With a fixation on innovation and building culture, our team is rallying our company around a unique vision: forging a retail winner that is admired for national strength, deep roots in the communities we serve, and a team that has passion for food and delivering great service.
Albertsons is one of the largest retail employers, providing approximately 300,000 jobs across 2,200 stores, 22 distribution centers, 20 food and beverage plants and various support offices.  We operate in 34 states and the District of Columbia under the Albertsons banner, as well as Safeway, Tom Thumb, Jewel Osco, Shaw’s, and many more recognizable names.

What you will be doing
This position is responsible for assuring vendor compliance with company food safety and quality standards.
The position utilizes personal experience and expertise in the areas of food safety, food quality, good manufacturing, and sanitation practices to provide supplier assessment and approval status for external manufacturing sites. This position is critical to ensuring supplier program compliance and avoidance of product retrievals and recalls that can result from noncompliance to product and package regulations. Interfaces with USDA, FDA, and state regulators to maintain standards and resolve complex issues.  Reviews and responds to inspection reports and complaint investigations, including confirming that appropriate corrective actions are taken, including recommendations for strategic improvement.  The position reports directly to the Group Manager, FSQA & Regulatory Compliance for the Own Brands private label business.

The position will be based in Pleasanton CA.

Main responsibilities

• Manage the supplier certification process including carrying out risk assessment of supplier programs, conducting on-site audits and communicating outcomes effectively to both internal and external parties.
• Manage the Supplier Quality Improvement Program and quantify its effectiveness by analyzing consumer feedback or process data and utilizing technical skills such as SPC, Excel, Mini Tab.
• Coordinate product recalls and withdrawals with suppliers and serve as a department expert for crisis management as it relates to product safety.
• Act as a liaison for regulatory requests and inquiries such as FDA, USDA, State Inspectors.
• Provide support to sales and business by facilitating key supplier meetings, conducting site visits, and working through any quality or safety issues with suppliers until they are resolved satisfactorily.
• Ensure manufacturing sites can deliver on the expectations set forth in the supplier agreement, Own Brands policies, product formulations and finished good specifications. Communicate any potential gaps and risk exposures to both internal and external parities as needed.
• Enforce Albertsons Food Safety & Quality Assurance Policies with suppliers.
• Review and evaluate product quality, establish continuous improvement plan objectives, or address corrective actions with suppliers.
• Create and communicate executive reports on quality related issues and address key findings across multifunctional teams.
• Remain current with federal regulations as they relate to the Company’s products, GMP’s and analytical requirements, and ensure with supplier’s regulatory requirements are met.
• Execute programs as related to the Corporate Quality Assurance function.
• Manage the supplier Certificate of Analysis program to assure compliance with product specifications.
• Serve as a technical resource and provide guidance for Own Brands private label organization.
• Assist retail divisions in resolving product quality issues.
• Travel - Company-wide, 75% or more across multiple time zones

What we are searching for

• Ability to analyze process capability data to assure compliance with specifications. Experience utilizing Process Improvement methods such as:  SPC, DMAIC, 8D, Ishikawa, Six Sigma
• Ability to motivate, manage, lead, and influence subordinates, peers, and superiors
• Prioritize efforts based on risk, importance and urgency. Ability self-manage complex and meet deliverables in a timely manner.
• Strong computer skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent written/verbal communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, including strong management ability in a team-based culture.
• Thorough knowledge of US regulatory compliance requirements
• Independent thinker with the ability to manage a complex workload with changing priorities. Energetic and self-motivated with the ability to act with a sense of urgency and intensity

We believe the successful candidate has these qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Engineering, or related scientific field
• 4 years Quality Management experience in a variety of food and/or general merchandise/health, beauty, pharmaceutical, cosmetic manufacturing, and processing environments
• Working knowledge of AQL sampling plans in a manufacturing setting is preferred
• Supplier quality management, including audit experience, is required In-depth knowledge of food safety, product quality programs, preventive QC methods, HACCP/PCQI certified, GMP’s, environmental pathogen monitoring, allergen control and manufacturing process controls
• 2 years Quality Auditing experience preferred
• GFSI (BRC, SQF, ISO 22,000, IFS, PrimusGFS) ASQ, or equivalent sector audit certification
• SA8000 certification or the ability to demonstrate knowledge of equivalent social responsibility programs
• Certification or working knowledge of animal welfare principles
• 2 years Laboratory experience is preferred
• Travel - Company-wide, 75% or more across multiple time zones

What it is like at Albertsons?
Albertsons Culture Principles

Compassion: We always treat each other with kindness and respect
Team: We always support and recognize each other
Inclusive: We always value everyone’s perspective
Learning: We always strive to grow and develop ourselves and others
Competitive: We always act with integrity to win over the customer
Ownership: We always take actions to drive our success

To apply, please contact:
Marlowe Dias, Director Quality Assurance - Own Brands
marlowe.dias@albertsons.com