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SUMMARY: The Senior QA Technician plays a key leadership role within the QA team and is responsible for supporting food safety, quality assurance, and compliance initiatives across production lines. In addition to performing standard QA checks, this role includes responsibilities in internal auditing, mentoring junior QA staff, ensuring corrective actions are implemented, and working closely with cross-functional teams to uphold and improve product quality and safety systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Lead daily quality assurance activities and ensure compliance with company standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements (USDA, HACCP, BRC, GMP, SSOP).

+ Serve as a subject matter expert on HACCP and GMP procedures; coach and guide production staff on quality practices.

+ Investigate quality issues, non-conformances, and product deviations; perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.

+ Ensure production changeovers and startups meet all QA and food safety requirements.

+ Maintain and calibrate QA tools and instruments, ensuring accuracy of data collected.

+ Complete and review documentation such as QA checks, deviation reports, hold logs, corrective action records, and traceability forms.

+ Train and mentor QA Technicians; provide support in their daily activities and development.

+ Collaborate with Production, Sanitation, and Maintenance teams to proactively identify and address quality risks.

+ Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and assist in updating SOPs and QA documentation.

+ Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized work environment with a focus on safety, compliance, and efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

+ High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field is a plus.

+ 3+ years of experience in quality assurance within food manufacturing (meat industry preferred); prior lead or senior-level experience strongly preferred.

+ Working knowledge of USDA, HACCP, BRC, SSOP, and GMP standards.

+ Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.

+ Fluent in English (verbal and written); Spanish language skills a plus.

+ Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

+ Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety regulations, and quality standards.

+ Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

+ Able to lift/move up to 25 pounds occasionally and work in a refrigerated, fast-paced production environment.

COMPETENCIES:

+ Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to train and guide junior QA technicians

+ Attention to Detail: Highly observant with a strong focus on accuracy

+ Problem-Solving: Skilled in identifying and resolving quality issues

+ Communication: Clear and professional written/verbal skills; bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

+ Time Management: Efficient with meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks

+ Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams (Production, Maintenance, Sanitation)

+ Adaptability: Able to adjust quickly to changes in schedules, regulations, or production demands

+ Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and outcomes

Company Overview

Kayem Foods is a family owned and operated craft meat business that has been making New England’s favorite franks, sausages, and prepared meats in Chelsea, Mass. since its founding by Kaz Monkiewicz back in 1909. Well over 100 years later, we are the largest meat processor in New England and still pushing our craft to the next level – tweaking recipes to have the perfect flavors and extending our expertise into delicious new areas and collaborations – such as Kayem’s Night Shift Brewing Small Batch Beer Brats. One thing will never change, it’s our “Old World” food philosophy: to only make food we would share with our own friends and family. We offer the opportunity for professional growth and to make a difference in a flexible and collaborative environment.

Kayem offers competitive wages and benefits to full time employees. Kayem benefits include:

+ Healthcare Insurance, and Dental (pre-tax and effective first day of employment)

+ Vision (pre-tax and effective the 1st day of the month after start of employment)

+ Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan (Health Care Reimbursement and Dependent Care (effective 1st day of employment)

Reimbursement)

+ Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (effective 1st day of employment and no cost to employee)

+ Safe Harbor 401(K) Retirement Plan (with employer matching contributions of up to 3% plus 50% of your contributions up to 5%)

+ Vacation Pay, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

+ Education Reimbursement (eligible after 6 months of continuous employment and up to $3,000 for career development)

+ Opt-Out Medical Rebate, Doctor on Demand, and Wellness Initiatives for those who are eligible!

(Please NO staffing agencies or external recruiter calls)