JOB TITLE: Quality Assurance (Lab) Technician

REPORTS TO: FSQA Supervisor

LOCATION: Hilbert, Wisconsin, USA

Company Background

Ornua is a dairy co-operative which sells dairy products on behalf of its members, Ireland’s dairy processors and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers.  Founded in 1961, the Ornua Co-operative has become Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, exporting to 110 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Dublin, it has annualized sales of over $4.3 billion and a global team of 2,900 employees. Ornua operates from 10 global business units, including 13 production facilities located worldwide.

The Ornua family is structured across two divisions: Ornua Foods and Ornua Ingredients. Ornua Foods is responsible for the marketing and sales of Ornua’s consumer brands including Kerrygold, Dubliner, Pilgrims Choice, Forto and BEO. Ornua Ingredients is responsible for the procurement of Irish and non-Irish dairy products and for the sale of ingredients to food manufacturing and foodservice customers around the world.

Ornua Ingredients North America is the largest of the four global Ornua Ingredients organizations worldwide, with USA-based processing and innovation that services customers across the western hemisphere.

Ornua’s Values

At Ornua, our Values lie at the core of everything that we do and how we behave both individually and as a business. Our five values, and their underlying behaviors, encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care and  Achieve Great Things Together.

Ornua’s Growth

At Ornua, our co-operative ethos lies at the heart of how we do business. We care passionately about driving sustainable, profitable growth, underpinned by our ambitious ‘Path to Prosper’ strategy. We have delivered significant growth in our core business, and we have ambitious plans for continued growth over the next five years.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

The Lab Technician is an introductory role in OINA Hilbert, WI.  Entry-level employees must demonstrate the awareness, acumen, and willingness to become proficient with all inspections and procedures related to Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs, and will assist the department in performing and documenting all regulatory compliance requirements.  The Lab Technician works closely with production staff in reporting any out - of -  specification products, ingredients, or conditions as soon as possible.  He/She will work cross-functionally to ensure all employees follow GMP’s and Quality protocols as defined by local, state, and federal regulations. Must be highly motivated and organized with the willingness to learn. May occasionally be required to lift up to 55 lbs.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Efficiently learns and retains knowledge about inspection and analytical procedures
• Contributes to special projects as assigned by FSQ Lead
• Contributes to the Positive Release and Hold Program
• Assists SQF Practitioner(s) in Food Safety Program review in preparation for SQF Audits
• Performs Redzone QMS Inspections
• Becomes trained in and perform internal audits
• Understands and enforces facility GMP sand safety requirements
• Informs upper management immediately of any food safety risks or significant non-conformances and take action to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the Food Safety and Food Adulteration / Food Defense programs
• Applies knowledge of customer expectations and Food Safety & Quality standards to adequately protect customer and regulatory requirements
• Assists with decision-making, assessing risk, trouble-shooting, problem solving
• Completes any task as assigned by FSQ Lead

Required Qualifications:

• High school education
• Microsoft Tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry Degree (Not required)
• General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Sanitation, and Production
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with Dairy

Language Skills:

• Strong oral, listening, written and electronic communication skills in order to communicate with facility leadership.
• Ability to read and understand procedures, and accurately record / transcribe data.

 Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, averages, density, area, circumference, and volume with accuracy and ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ornua Ingredients North America is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.