ASR Group is the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of more than 6 million tons of sugar. The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group owns and operates six sugar refineries, located in Louisiana, New York, California, Maryland, Canada and Mexico. In the European Union, the company owns and operates sugar refineries in England, Portugal. ASR Group also owns and operates mills in Mexico and Belize. The company’s brand portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s® and Sidul®.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance Lab Analyst is primarily responsible for managing elements of SQF certification and Quality and Food Safety systems including document and record control, CAPA, and providing routine updates on the site’s Quality and Food Safety performance. In addition, the Lab Analyst is responsible for carrying out Quality related Laboratory testing including Microbiology and Foreign Material investigation. This role reports directly to the Quality Assurance Manager - NRO.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma/GED

• At least 2 years of applicable professional experience working with quality & food safety systems

• At least 2 years working in a lab or manufacturing environment

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance/Control practices and procedures

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written in English

• Knowledge and experience of laboratory testing and good laboratory practices

  PREFERRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited college/university

• HACCP and/or PCQI related food safety training with experience in the development and maintenance of HACCP Plans

• SQF or other related GFSI benchmarked standard training / certification

• Experience working as a SQF practitioner

• Experience leading an internal audit team

  ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the document control and record control program

• Support the site in maintaining SQF Certification

• Assist in maintenance of the CAPA Program

• Active participant in the global community of practice meetings

• Investigate consumer complaints and provide insights on trends related to consumer complaint data

• Active participant and serve as a backup leader on the Plant Food Safety team

• Generate procedures to support quality and food safety systems

• Participate in plant Continuous Improvement (CI) program

• Deliver training and orientation materials

• Lead the GMP Inspection, Glass/Brittle plastic and Calibration Programs

• Interact with the Site Pest Control Operator and generate corrective actions to address any open conditions

• Provide effective communication regarding issues, objectives, initiatives, and performance to plan via Management Review and Metrics Reporting

• Routine maintenance of hold and traceability program

• Practices and enforces GMPs and plant safety procedures

• Perform quality related laboratory testing including microbiology and foreign material investigation

• Perform site sanitation verification via various microbiology methods

• Responsible for reviewing and reporting laboratory results, as well as opening investigations for out of spec results

• Performs other duties as assigned

  ESSENTIAL ABILITIES & CRITICAL SKILLS

• Ability to ascend/descend a ladder to perform required quality inspections

• Ability to work in various work conditions and temperatures

• Ability to analyze complex information and perform root cause analysis

• Ability to recognize areas for Continuous Improvement strategies; recommend and implement CI strategies as assigned

• Ability to always maintain confidentiality of proprietary business information

• Ability to effectively manage time, including the ability to prioritize, work within assigned deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively to accomplish organizational objectives

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining quality & accuracy standards

• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook on an Advanced Level

• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing, fostering strong lines of communication across the business

• Ability to troubleshoot quality issues on packaging lines

• Ability to work overtime including weekends as required

• Ability to demonstrate Problem-Solving skills

• Ability to demonstrate Analytical Thinking skills

  PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Managing Complexity- Keeping focused on key objectives and results when addressing the details of a situation. Making timely decisions using available facts in ambiguous situations.

• Regulatory Matters- Demonstrates understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for area of responsibility, which will include the countries in which the product is both made and sold.

• Working with Ambiguity- Achieves forward progress in the face of poorly defined situations and/or unclear goals; able to work effectively with limited or partial information.

• Accountability: Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his/her actions and their consequences both good and bad.

• Credibility - Adheres to a set of core values that are represented in decisions and actions. Does the right thing, even when it is difficult. Demonstrates technical proficiency, reliable customer service and delivery of results in supporting clients; speaks with authority and is respected by others; maintains objectivity in dealing with issues. Removes/ minimizes bias from decisions.

• Quality Management- Knowledge and application of food industry quality systems; Knowledge and application of procedures required for testing food quality.

• Acting with Integrity: Clearly states goals and beliefs; lets people know his/her true intentions; does what he she said they would do; follows through on commitments; Understands and follows company policies

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling to the listener

• Energy & Initiative: Acts on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked; asserts one's influence over events to achieve goals

• Judgment & Decision-Making: Bases decisions on a systematic review of relevant facts and information; avoids making assumptions or rushing to judgment; provides clear rationale for decisions

• Customer Orientation – Addressing internal and/or external customer needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high-quality service and support

• Change Management- Challenges the status quo; encourages people to question existing methods, practices, and assumptions. Responds positively and enthusiastically to novel ideas and suggestions; supports people in their efforts to try new things; seeks ways to implement new ideas. Coordinated, structured period of transition from one situation to another to achieve sustainable positive outcome.

  TRAVEL

• The position will require regular travel between Chicago & Calumet City NRO locations (5% travel outside of the two sites)

• 2905 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

• 2400 E 130th St, Chicago, IL 60633

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.