At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

Under minimal supervision, helps ensure a quality system is established, implemented, and maintained. Reviews activities in the department to help meet plant goals, maintain quality system, food safety system, and maintain vendor approval program.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required
• College Diploma/Degree or 5+ years’ Quality related work experience required
• Certified training preferred: Lead Auditor, PCHF, HACCP & Food Defense

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, Trace Gains, SAP, etc.)
• Excel in teamwork and collaboration
• Excellent oral, written and computer communication skills
• Understanding and application of Ajinomoto QMS policies, procedures, & job instructions
• Ability to use applicable software programs
• Must be willing to work outside normal business hours as needed
• Lead quality activities
• Excellent networking skills and professional communication within the plant, within corporate, and with outside vendors.
• Apply critical thinking to daily tasks
• Strong knowledge of quality and feed/food safety standards
• Knowledge of FDA pharmaceutical GMP’s

 WORKING CONDITIONS: Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical manufacturing environment working inside and outside. This position may perform activities in an environment that contains hazardous elements and requires safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support the compliance of applicable ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Sitting or standing, repetitive use of hands and arms, and eye/hand coordination for 6+ hours a day. Walking required, usually < 1-2 hours a day. The position may require lifting, up to 50 lbs., on occasion. Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing, or pulling. Ability to drive a vehicle with a valid driver's license.  Occasional travel may be required.

Training & Development
• Seeks continuous self-improvement through education and experience
• Full understanding of the Quality Management System to assist in training others Food Safety & HACCP
Food Safety & HACCP Team
• Responsible for review of the Food Safety & HACCP Plan & documents
• Responsible for revisions of the Food Safety & HACCP Plan & documents
Audits
• Ensures sanitation audits are carried out monthly in coordination with co-workers and assures all findings are closed out according to Quality Objectives
• Lead auditor for the internal audit team
• Creates annual internal audit schedule
• Participate in external audits (customer, regulatory, Kosher, Halal etc.)
Quality Meetings
• Attend quality meetings and provide relevant updates
• Serves as the designated backup leader for the Food Safety/HACCP Team
Supplier Approval Program
• Approve Supplier/Ingredients Documentation in TraceGains
• Approve Suppliers & Ingredients in TraceGains
Management of Change
• Assist in regulatory, customer and quality standard compliance for existing and new processes and product applications through Management of Change Assessments, HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP.
General Responsibilities
• Document creation, revision, maintenance & review
• Seeks out and implements improvement ideas with regards to Quality System
• Adherence to all company quality, safety, and environmental policies and takes immediate corrective action when an issue arises
• Any other duties and/or training as assigned by QMR or Department Manager
Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
• Actively collaborate with other departments within the company to accomplish tasks/goals
• Continually strive for increasing processing efficiencies
• Support 5S activities

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) for recruitment, hiring, and promotion decisions.