QA Raw Material & Packaging Specialist

QA Raw Material & Packaging Specialist The Artisan Chef Mfg Co. Lawrence, MA Job Details Full-time $23 - $27 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Employee discount Life insurance Qualifications Quality control corrective actions Document review (document control) Microbiology Quality assurance within food and beverage industry New product development Quality check sheets Supplier quality engineering practices Regulatory compliance Safety standards in production GMP Mid-level Inspection reporting and documentation Databases Supplier audits Supplier audit compliance assessment Food microbiology HACCP Quality control documentation Attention to detail Driving Packaging Safe Quality Food Certification Productivity software Training & development Manufacturing Training Food safety Risk assessment implementation 2 years Manufacturing company experience Vendor risk management Communication skills GFSI Regulatory compliance management Supply chain collaboration FDA regulations Full Job Description

ABOUT US

| The Artisan Chef Manufacturing Company, located in historic Lawrence, Massachusetts, is a multifaceted manufacturer of scratch-made Artisan Breads, Fresh Pastas, Gourmet Sauces, Authentic Neapolitan Style Pizza, Calzones, and restaurant-quality prepared meals. If you are passionate about working in a fast-track entrepreneurial environment with state-of-the-art equipment and a driven team, consider working with us!

BASIC FUNCTIONS

The Raw Materials & Packaging Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all incoming raw materials and packaging components meet established food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. This role works closely with suppliers, procurement, operations, and internal QA teams to prevent quality issues, manage risk, and maintain compliance with food safety standards. The specialist plays a critical role in protecting product integrity from supplier approval through production use.

MANAGEMENT SCOPE

Leadership Responsibility

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Position also includes, but is not limited to the following: Review, approve, and maintain specifications for raw materials, ingredients, and packaging components Perform incoming material inspections, sampling, and verification activities Evaluate Certificates of Analysis (COAs), supplier documentation, and test results for compliance Place materials on hold or reject non‑conforming materials and coordinate disposition Support supplier approval, qualification, and re‑evaluation programs Conduct supplier risk assessments, performance reviews, and corrective action follow‑up Communicate quality expectations and non‑conformance issues to suppliers Assist with supplier audits and documentation reviews as required Ensure materials comply with

FDA, USDA

(if applicable), FSMA, and applicable state regulations Verify allergen, foreign material, chemical, and microbiological controls related to raw materials and packaging Support HACCP, Preventive Controls, and Food Safety Plan activities related to incoming materials Maintain compliance with SQF Certification Maintain accurate records for material approvals, inspections, deviations, and corrective actions Update material specifications, supplier files, and internal databases Assist with internal audits, external audits, and regulatory inspections Work closely with Procurement, R D, Operations, and Warehousing to resolve material‑related issues Support new product development and packaging changes from a quality perspective Provide guidance and training to internal teams on material quality requirements

SAFETY PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT

If and when visiting all identified areas in production, personal protective equipment will be required and should not reach into moving machines with their hands. Personal protective equipment also includes; but not limited to, non-slip soled shoes. Following all good manufacturing practices is a must.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required 2+ years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing or a regulated manufacturing environment Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and food safety systems Experience with raw material and packaging quality programs Strong documentation, organizational, and problem‑solving skills Preferred Experience with GFSI certification standards (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000) Familiarity with

FDA/FSMA

Preventive Controls, and USDA. Knowledge of packaging materials (films, cartons, corrugate, labels, food‑contact materials) Skills & Competencies Attention to detail with a proactive, risk‑based mindset Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality management systems Physical & Work Environment Requirements Ability to work in a food manufacturing environment, including production and warehouse areas Occasional lifting, bending, and standing as required Requires daily travel between two facilities, ability to drive, your own car is a must

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work standing for 8 hour periods. Specific vision abilities required by this job.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee can be exposed to moving mechanical parts when visiting production areas. The employee can be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat if visiting production areas. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high; however, hearing protection is not required.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$23.00 - $27.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 - 50 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person