If you’re someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment, that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we’d like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team!
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Ensures that all meat, seafood and fresh produce distributed within our Fresh Thyme Market (FTM) supply chain meets or exceeds FTM quality standards and regulatory grading requirements. Works collaboratively with the Buying Team through the inspection of incoming and outbound loads at the distribution center. Works with warehouse team on product rotation. Creates weekly recaps and period ending assessment reports. Trains, coaches and audits FTM DC Quality Assurance teams in execution of inspection SOP – Standard Operating Procedures. Provides supervisory leadership for the Quality Assurance – Fresh team members as assigned.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Oversees training and standardization of assigned Quality Assurance Team Members while leading communication with DC leadership teams (i.e., Director of Distribution and DC Operations Manager)
- Oversee and manage assigned DC Quality Assurance – Fresh team members as related to time-off, training, quality evaluations, metrics reporting, while influencing a positive culture of quality with FTM DC team and leadership.
- Lead and supervise Quality Assurance team members as assigned.
- Record and deliver coaching and disciplinary action to team members as necessary.
- Assure that all food safety policies and procedures are current and compliant with FTM and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate and maintain teamwork schedules and vacation.
- Keep Leadership and the Buying Team informed through various reporting on incoming product quality, rejections, cGMP and food safety metrics.
- Train and coach Quality Assurance team members on proper inspection processes; audits and inspection SOPs.
- Review all fresh product quality issues observed by Quality Assurance team members and make decisions either to accept or reject fresh product based upon USDA and FTM Quality Standards.
- Partner with the meat and product Buying team to address produce quality concerns that may require rejection.
- Inspect and evaluate all inbound produce, meat and seafood loads; ensure that fresh commodities meet or exceed FTM specifications and standards for quality and temperature control, as well as USDA requirements for quality.
- Ensure that the banana specifications are met on a daily basis prior to shipments leaving the FTM DC.
- Utilize product quality test equipment to verify fresh products meet minimum government requirements and FTM specifications.
- Report inspection observations to DC leadership; help implement, develop and facilitate corrective actions in partnership with DC leaders.
- Audit the FTM DC in accordance with FDA cGMP guidelines, the FTM DC Food Safety Plan as it pertains to the Preventative Control Rule, and FTM DC Seafood HACCP Plan.
- Identify and communicate with Quality Assurance team members produce seasonal trends as related to quality.
- Develop collaborative and effective relationships with all levels of the FTM DC leadership and Buying team.
- Provide quality assessments that analyze and compare fresh produce, meat and seafood supplier products against FTM expectations and standards and report findings to the Buying team, FTM Food Safety and DC leadership.
- Utilize quality software programs to assist Buying team in assessing potential supplier charge-backs for products that do not meet FTM standards.
- Act as the subject matter expect regarding quality/grading concerns; make recommendations around quality/grading concerns including rejection of product, to the Buying team.
- Work with the FTM Food Safety Manager when additional review is required.
- This job profile is not meant to be all inclusive of all the responsibilities of this position; may perform other duties as assigned or required.
- Confirm daily product thermometer calibration procedures are executed and properly logged for record keeping purposes per Calibration SOP.
- Partner with the Produce Buying team to maintain annual Organic Certification of the facility through our approved certification body.
- This job profile is not meant to be all inclusive of the responsibilities of this position; may perform other duties as assigned or required.
What You Bring with You (Qualifications):
- Bachelor’s degree preferred with focus in Food Science or related discipline such as chemistry, biology or microbiology but will accept supervisory and quality assurance experience in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum of 2 years of quality assurance supervisory experience, preferably in a Food Manufacturing or distribution center environment.
- General knowledge/experience with microbiological, chemical and physical testing of food products/ingredients.
- Ability to motivate and effectively lead and manage the Quality Assurance Team to achieve desired FTM company results.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.
- USDA familiarity/knowledge preferred.
- Ability to analyze data and information and make effective and timely decisions.
- Ability to work under pressure and to react to situations with a strong sense of urgency.
- Ability to multitask; organize time efficiently and make decisions based on factual findings.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate throughout all levels of the organization.
- Ability to be detail oriented, organized, reliable and resourceful.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
- Ability to influence and train others and achieve necessary results.
- Quality Assurance is a 7-day operation so must have ability to work on weekends or as needed.
At Fresh Thyme, our team members Thrive. We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, and recognition programs that allows our most successful team members to be rewarded for their passion, dedication, and the results they consistently drive. Therefore, we are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects market standards and ensures consistency within our organization.
The pay range for this position is listed below. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location.
$55,750.00 - $88,250.00
This pay range represents the minimum and maximum base pay for the position, which is determined by factors such as market data, the qualifications required, the level of responsibilities associated with the role and other roles at this same level. Specific pay rates will be within this range and based on your experience, qualifications, and skills compared to the internal team of this role.
Compensation for this position also includes incentive bonus opportunities that may vary based on individual and company performance. Specific details will be discussed during the hiring process.
Our team members Thrive because we are committed to the whole person. Not only do we offer a comprehensive benefits package for our full-time team members that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, but we also offer a variety of programs designed to support our part-time members as well. ALL Fresh Thyme team members enjoy paid parental leave, our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, and our 401(k) plan with an employer match. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that promotes work-life balance, long-term health and financial security, and continuous professional development. Come Thrive with us!
