Lassonde Pappas & Co. is a US Leader in beverage manufacturing dedicated to our team members, customers and consumers satisfaction. We remain committed to our small-town roots and rural values. Hardworking and caring are qualities that make our teams special. Since 1942, we've been producing delicious products for our customers across the country!

To provide the best for our customers, we focus on building the best team by creating and advancing an inclusive environment amongst our diverse workforce. If you're passionate about customer satisfaction, reliable, and committed to being and doing better, join us!

We value each of our employee's total wellbeing. To support employees in all stages of their wellness journey, we have a robust benefits program including: medical, dental, and vision coverage options, growth and development potential, along with 401-K, Life & Disability Insurance, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Fairs, Gym Membership Discounts, and so much more!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lab Quality Specialist supports Corporate quality by providing precise and consistent lab analysis on samples submitted from ingredient suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and customers (complaint investigations). This position will require knowledge of analytical methodologies, effective oral and written communication skills, and solid interpersonal skills. This role reports to the Quality Assurance Manager and is based out of our Cherry Hill, New Jersey location.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Lead Corporate analysis programs, such as Corporate Sample Program, Co-manufacturing product monitoring, network calibrations, proficiency studies, instrument verifications, and/or ingredient sampling program, including cranberry testing.
• Maintains retain sample library of tested fruit in off-site freezer (KMT).
• Analyze and record results in appropriate software systems.
• Compare analytical and organoleptic test results to Process Guides and Specifications
• Issue reports and/or trend charts to assigned audiences (manufacturing plant teams, corporate colleagues, etc).
• Report noncompliance trends and leads corporate facet for continuous improvement.
• Review, approve and submit samples to respective customer testing laboratories.
• Collect, catalog and analyze raw material pre-shipment samples submitted by ingredient suppliers, comparing analytical and organoleptic test results to specifications and certificates of analysis.
• Assist with plant analysis training.
• Assist in the general activities of the QA lab department as required including the maintenance of various files and information systems including general correspondence and lab policies/procedures, including SOP's for cleaning stations.
• Audit compliance to corporate sampling protocols.
• Assist with communication with internal and external manufacturing facilities.
• Assist with general activities of the quality department as required, including the maintenance of various files and information systems including customer and copacker specifications, general correspondence and product manuals, label/product QC hold database, and regulatory affairs activities.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associates Degree and two (2) to four (4) years of professional experience
• Experience in Microsoft Office - Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Experience in lab procedures and report writing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detailed oriented and can multi-task
• Excellent time management skills

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food/beverage industry
• Proven organizational skills
• Ability to direct, coach and train others
• Consultative, influential, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires sufficient physical ability to work in a typical office setting; driving a motor vehicle and occasionally working in the field.

FREQUENT: sitting, upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity and light to moderate finger pressure to include extended periods of keyboard and mouse use, side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending and stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials.

Squatting, kneeling, reach above and at shoulder height, moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing up to 50 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position. Other duties as assigned are part of every job description. The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.

Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.