Quality Assurance Lead

WHO WE ARE

We’re Talking Rain, and we’re so much more than water. We build flavorful brands, like Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Sparkling Ice +Energy, Talking Rain Waters, and AQA pH waters. We're creating connections with every sip!

When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.

Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with ⁠benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them. 

Our Plant Operations team makes ideas a reality. They work hard to ensure our refreshing, flavorful beverages are bottled safely and on time.

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Report to: Quality Assurance Manager

Direct Reports: None, but will direct the day to day of Technicians and Batchers.

Base Hourly Rate: $26.00 - $31.00 per hour + shift differential for hours worked outside of 1st shift

Discretionary Bonus Potential: Up to $900 bi-annually. Eligibility is based on Plant and Company profitability.

Location: Onsite at our Preston, WA plant 5 days a week

Core Hours: Monday- Friday, 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Start and end times are subject to change due to evolving business need)

Note: Training hours will differ from Core Hours and will take place on 1st Shift, Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 4:00 pm. Exceptions can be made due to the availability of the applicant.

• Assist in maintaining and auditing the Food Safety/HACCP Programs, reporting any issues and/or deviations to management.

• Provide coaching and feedback to teammates to maintain established quality standards. Facilitate effective communication throughout the department and shifts.

• Manage inventory of lab consumables and order needed supplies.

• Ensure department tasks and paperwork are being completed thoroughly and on time.

• Plating daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly micros (product, water, air, packaging). 

• Collecting and plating environmental swabs. 

• Reading micros and transferring data into Zontec 

• Collecting and shipping weekly, monthly, and quarterly water samples. 

• Collecting and shipping annual 50 State water samples. 

• Shipping monthly product analytical samples. 

• Maintain water treatment system (micro analysis, filter replacement, backwashing) 

• Assist in departmental training and ensure documentation is up to date.

• Ensure all NCRs are dealt with in a timely fashion.

• Provide coverage for vacation and sick absences for QA Batcher, Lab Technicians, and Sanitation Custodians. This may require working 2nd and/or 3rd shifts periodically.

• As the SQF Practitioner, oversee the plant SQF program to ensure the current level of certification is maintained and instrumental in the preparation of SQF audits.

• Responsible for the communication of SQF practices to all members of staff. 

• Conduct annual re-assessments of the SQF manual and all supporting information including validation of all work instructions.  

• Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are followed at all times.

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

• High School diploma or equivalent experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Science preferred (Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or Food Science).  

• Minimum of two (2) years of Quality Assurance experience, ideally in an automated production environment preferred.

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.

• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.

• Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs. repetitively and up to 55 lbs. occasionally, as well as to push and pull up to 100 lbs. regularly.

Rain Makers are people who are accountable, curious, and inclusive.

We hold ourselves accountable and recognize room for growth while openly accepting feedback. We embrace change to deliver progressive results.

Rain Makers don’t wait for answers – we go find them. Curiosity is part of what makes us so successful. Sometimes we push back, productively challenging the status quo.

We promote inclusivity. Valuing communication and respect, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We are an approachable bunch, building and fostering relationships with people of all backgrounds.

WHAT WE OFFER
Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks, and we want to equip our Rain Makers with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...

• Three Weeks of Vacation. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!

• Six Weeks of Paid Parental Leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.

• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.

• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)

• Onsite and Hybrid Employees: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive $0.25 per mile.

• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.

• Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.

  • Employees may also enjoy access to our on-site gym in Preston complete with a personal trainer 2 days per week.

• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!

• Vehicle Program –

  • Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate

  • Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car or vehicle stipend included!

  • Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles.

Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.

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