Job Information
ASR Group/Domino Sugar Quality Assurance Lab Analyst in Chicago, Illinois
ASR Group is the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of more than 6 million tons of sugar. The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group owns and operates six sugar refineries, located in Louisiana, New York, California, Maryland, Canada and Mexico. In the European Union, the company owns and operates sugar refineries in England, Portugal. ASR Group also owns and operates mills in Mexico and Belize. The company’s brand portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s® and Sidul®.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Quality Assurance Lab Analyst is primarily responsible for managing elements of SQF certification and Quality and Food Safety systems including document and record control, CAPA, and providing routine updates on the site’s Quality and Food Safety performance. In addition, the Lab Analyst is responsible for carrying out Quality related Laboratory testing including Microbiology and Foreign Material investigation. This role reports directly to the Quality Assurance Manager - NRO.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma/GED
At least 2 years of applicable professional experience working with quality & food safety systems
At least 2 years working in a lab or manufacturing environment
Knowledge of Quality Assurance/Control practices and procedures
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written in English
Knowledge and experience of laboratory testing and good laboratory practices
PREFERRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited college/university
HACCP and/or PCQI related food safety training with experience in the development and maintenance of HACCP Plans
SQF or other related GFSI benchmarked standard training / certification
Experience working as a SQF practitioner
Experience leading an internal audit team
ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain the document control and record control program
Support the site in maintaining SQF Certification
Assist in maintenance of the CAPA Program
Active participant in the global community of practice meetings
Investigate consumer complaints and provide insights on trends related to consumer complaint data
Active participant and serve as a backup leader on the Plant Food Safety team
Generate procedures to support quality and food safety systems
Participate in plant Continuous Improvement (CI) program
Deliver training and orientation materials
Lead the GMP Inspection, Glass/Brittle plastic and Calibration Programs
Interact with the Site Pest Control Operator and generate corrective actions to address any open conditions
Provide effective communication regarding issues, objectives, initiatives, and performance to plan via Management Review and Metrics Reporting
Routine maintenance of hold and traceability program
Practices and enforces GMPs and plant safety procedures
Perform quality related laboratory testing including microbiology and foreign material investigation
Perform site sanitation verification via various microbiology methods
Responsible for reviewing and reporting laboratory results, as well as opening investigations for out of spec results
Performs other duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES & CRITICAL SKILLS
Ability to ascend/descend a ladder to perform required quality inspections
Ability to work in various work conditions and temperatures
Ability to analyze complex information and perform root cause analysis
Ability to recognize areas for Continuous Improvement strategies; recommend and implement CI strategies as assigned
Ability to always maintain confidentiality of proprietary business information
Ability to effectively manage time, including the ability to prioritize, work within assigned deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively to accomplish organizational objectives
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining quality & accuracy standards
Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook on an Advanced Level
Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing, fostering strong lines of communication across the business
Ability to troubleshoot quality issues on packaging lines
Ability to work overtime including weekends as required
Ability to demonstrate Problem-Solving skills
Ability to demonstrate Analytical Thinking skills
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Managing Complexity- Keeping focused on key objectives and results when addressing the details of a situation. Making timely decisions using available facts in ambiguous situations.
Regulatory Matters- Demonstrates understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for area of responsibility, which will include the countries in which the product is both made and sold.
Working with Ambiguity- Achieves forward progress in the face of poorly defined situations and/or unclear goals; able to work effectively with limited or partial information.
Accountability: Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his/her actions and their consequences both good and bad.
Credibility - Adheres to a set of core values that are represented in decisions and actions. Does the right thing, even when it is difficult. Demonstrates technical proficiency, reliable customer service and delivery of results in supporting clients; speaks with authority and is respected by others; maintains objectivity in dealing with issues. Removes/ minimizes bias from decisions.
Quality Management- Knowledge and application of food industry quality systems; Knowledge and application of procedures required for testing food quality.
Acting with Integrity: Clearly states goals and beliefs; lets people know his/her true intentions; does what he she said they would do; follows through on commitments; Understands and follows company policies
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling to the listener
Energy & Initiative: Acts on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked; asserts one's influence over events to achieve goals
Judgment & Decision-Making: Bases decisions on a systematic review of relevant facts and information; avoids making assumptions or rushing to judgment; provides clear rationale for decisions
Customer Orientation – Addressing internal and/or external customer needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high-quality service and support
Change Management- Challenges the status quo; encourages people to question existing methods, practices, and assumptions. Responds positively and enthusiastically to novel ideas and suggestions; supports people in their efforts to try new things; seeks ways to implement new ideas. Coordinated, structured period of transition from one situation to another to achieve sustainable positive outcome.
TRAVEL
The position will require regular travel between Chicago & Calumet City NRO locations (5% travel outside of the two sites)
2905 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
2400 E 130th St, Chicago, IL 60633
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.