Quality Line Lead

Job Description

We are seeking a knowledgeable, responsible, and experienced Quality Line Lead to support Quality Assurance and production operations within a dairy food manufacturing environment. The Quality Line Lead is responsible for performing and overseeing front-line quality activities associated with the production of aerosol dairy products, including cold foam and whipped cream products.

This position requires a strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), aerosol processing, production equipment, and product specifications. The Quality Line Lead will conduct routine Line Quality Control (QC) checks, identify and respond to quality concerns, place product on hold when necessary, troubleshoot production-related quality issues, and ensure appropriate escalation through the established chain of command.

The Quality Line Lead will also serve as a designated backup for the Quality Supervisor when needed , providing leadership and direction to Quality personnel and supporting communication and coordination between Quality, Production, Warehouse, Sanitation, Maintenance, and other site leadership teams.

The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail, effective communication, leadership skills, and the ability to make timely decisions while maintaining product quality and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Control

- Perform routine quality checks on production lines.

- Verify products meet specifications for:

Appearance and texture

- Fill weights and volume

- Gas pressure

- Container and valve condition

- Product performance

- Temperature and process requirements

- Identify non-conforming products and quality issues.

- Place products on hold when required.

- Verify corrective actions are completed before releasing products.

- Assist with investigations related to product defects, complaints, and process issues.

Production Support & Troubleshooting

- Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with quality standards.

- Recognize equipment or process problems that could affect product quality.

- Assist with troubleshooting recurring quality issues.

- Communicate concerns to Quality, Production, Maintenance, or Management as needed.

- Help contain and evaluate potentially affected products.

Documentation & Record Review

- Review quality and production records for accuracy and completeness.

- Verify required inspections and checks are properly documented.

- Correct or report documentation errors.

- Maintain records related to inspections, product holds, investigations, and product disposition.

- Escalate documentation issues that could impact compliance or traceability.

Product Release

- Review laboratory results and quality data.

- Verify products meet release requirements.

- Identify and report out-of-specification (OOS) or questionable results.

- Ensure products are not released until all requirements are met.

- Communicate product release status to Production, Warehouse, and Quality teams. turn2search2

Leadership Responsibilities

- Serve as backup for the Quality Supervisor.

- Provide guidance and support to Quality team members.

- Help prioritize daily quality activities.

- Ensure quality checks are completed correctly and on time.

- Support employee training and procedural compliance.

- Follow the established chain of communication and escalation. turn2search2

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Production, Warehouse, Maintenance, Sanitation, Engineering, and Laboratory teams.

- Communicate quality expectations and concerns clearly.

- Coordinate activities related to product holds, releases, and investigations.

- Maintain professional relationships while enforcing quality standards. turn2search2

Food Safety & Compliance

- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety requirements.

- Support food safety and quality programs.

- Report conditions that could impact product safety or quality.

- Assist with audits, inspections, and compliance activities.

- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

- Additional education in Food Science, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.

- Experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control, or production preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

- Knowledge of GMPs, food safety practices, and quality systems.- Ability to perform and document quality checks accurately.

- Ability to interpret quality and laboratory data.

- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

- Strong communication and leadership abilities.

- Attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Basic Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and Word.

- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

Core Competencies

- Quality & Food Safety Focus

- Attention to Detail

- Problem solving

- Decision Making

- Leadership

- Communication

- Teamwork

- Accountability

Alamance Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Alamance Foods Inc. prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.

Employment Eligibility: Alamance Foods Inc. participates in the federal E-Verify program. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a Form I-9 and verification of authorization to work in the United States.