Job Description

We are currently hiring a Lead Quality Technician at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Breinigsville, PA.

The Lead Quality Technician is responsible for assisting with day to day leadership of all Packaging QA and Packaging Material activities and safety programs. This position will have a focus on Lab improvement ventures while also providing support and validation to Pack Lab Technicians. Problem solving initiatives and Continuous Improvement will be a key factor in the success of this role with a focus on packaging materials, while also helping with coverage on a regular basis.

What You'll Brew:

• Oversee the operations of our three labs (packaging, chemistry, and microbiology) during the night shift, ensuring all activities adhere to quality standards and protocols.
• Act as the key point of contact for the night shift team, holding members accountable and ensuring smooth workflow.
• Promote a team-oriented and “Safety First” environment, working to achieve department and brewery goals.
• Escalate production or employee issues to the Manager for action.
• Provide coaching, feedback for reviews, and corrective actions for Technicians.
• Assist in training Technicians on safe and efficient lab equipment operation.
• Notify the Manager of team or individual opportunities.
• Drive collaboration and continuous improvement through positive working relationships.
• Recommend process and equipment improvements.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers via face-to-face interactions, phones, email, and radio.
• Attend meetings and facilitate Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) with Brewing and Packaging as needed.
• Review and update QA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regularly, communicating changes via One-Point Lessons (OPLs).
• Create SOPs for new processes/analysis and collaborate with the Training Department for improvements.
• Observe and practice all Brewery Safety Procedures, including wearing proper PPE.
• Assist with auditing Critical Points (CPs) and Critical Control Points (CCPs) on equipment, tracking audits, and validating processes.
• Follow through on Quality Assurance Reports (QARs) and Defective Product Material Reports (DPMRs), ensuring materials meet specifications.
• Support new product transitions.
• Audit and validate Technicians’ adherence to SOPs, maintaining an updated capability record.
• Support QA in daily activities as needed to cover absences.
• Participate in sensory panels and perform instrument operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Determine if products meet specifications for release or hold.
• Investigate process deviations and assist in developing resolutions.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement projects and recommend process improvements.
• Conduct and document daily and monthly audits regarding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), enforcing all brewery and food safety standards.
• Develop and maintain a Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) for the lab.
• Manage lab equipment verification and ensure Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) tracking.
• Focus on internal customer satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as required.

Working Conditions:
• There is frequent exposure production environments:
• Subject to loud and constant noise
• Non-environmentally conditioned spaces which may lead to extreme hot and cold
• Operating environment is complex and densely populated with production equipment and forklifts
that necessitates high situational awareness
• Work overtime as needed which may require 12-hour days, weekends, and holidays

What Ingredients You'll Bring:

Minimum Qualifications:

•2 – 4 years general work experience in a production facility or lab environment
•Familiarity with packaging, brewing, and microbiological lab practices
•Proven mechanical aptitude, demonstrated by work, avocation or vocation
•Knowledge of Food Safety, Sanitation, HACCP and 5S practices
•Demonstrated knowledge of GMP thru work experience
•Ability to communicate effectively with multiple stake holders
•Must be proficient with computers and automated equipment to input and understand data as required
•Proficient in Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and QI Analyst
•Knowledge of basic laboratory and production safety practices and procedures
•Must have demonstrated ability to successfully work in a self-directed work force
•Proven Continuous Improvement skills
•Strong communication, interpersonal, and teambuilding skills
•Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with all team peers and customers
•Build collaborative, trusting relationships across and outside of BBC
•Anticipates and respects the needs and interests of others
•Listens to others and adapts communication style and content based on audience
•Uses data and/or reasoning to persuade others
•Ability to work with all levels of management in multi-functional departments
•Ability to be flexible and shift priorities in a constantly changing, fast-paced work environment
•Proven analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
•Self-starter, proactive
•Highly effective multi-tasker; resourceful with a “get-it-done, can-do” attitude
•Able to impact and effect positive change with a flexible, open-minded, positive approach
 

Desired Experience:

•Previous Lead experience

Physical Requirements:
• All production roles are required to pass a pre-employment physical exam to comply with their specific role requirement(s)
• Certain roles may require the use of a respirator and passing the associated fit test
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs, sometimes repeatedly
• Regular walking and standing for long periods of time (up to 11 hours a day) on concrete, metal and grated surfaces
• Responsibilities may require crouching, stepping over, crawling under, bending, twisting, climbing and reaching above head and shoulders repeatedly throughout the day
• Responsibilities may require climbing flights of stairs, working from heights or on elevated platforms
• Ability to wear assigned PPE (safety shoes, gloves, facemask, hearing protection and hard hat)
• Established dexterity so you can handle materials, operate equipment and interface with computer systems with precision
• Some roles (e.g., forklift operator) may be required to sit for a prolonged period of time and have strong peripheral vision and depth perception

Level: 8IC

In accordance with pay transparency laws the pay range for this role if hired is $30.40 - $34.40 per hour. However, it’s important to note that where the person hired starts in this range is dependent on their related experience, skillset and location.

Some Perks:

Our people are our most important “ingredient.” We hire the best talent; and we reward, develop, and retain them too. In addition to generous healthcare on day one, stock purchase plan, 401k and more, Full Time Boston Beer Coworkers have the following perks available*:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Fertility/adoption support
• Free financial coaching
• Health & wellness program and discounts
• Professional development & training
• Free beer!

*Talk to your recruiter about eligibility

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance and the CA Fair Chance Act.

Boston Beer Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to help ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who wish to request accommodation in the job application process can contact [email protected] for assistance.