Quality Lab Technician - 1st Shift - Avon Mill

OVERVIEW

The Quality Lab Technician provides day-to-day safety and quality support for the Avon plant, which will include analytical testing, data entry, communication and interpretation of Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP, and other quality procedures as needed. The plant is a key supplier for the Convenience and Food Service business with bakery flour produced from Avon's two flour mills. The Avon plant is also the primary supplier of all retail Betty Crocker dry mix pouch products for the Baking Division including cookies, muffins, biscuits, pancakes, and brownies. The Avon plant, located just outside of Des Moines, employs approximately 98 people across the plant.

Do you like to be challenged? Are you interested in exposure to the end to end supply chain? Are you driven to be the best in class? This is a great opportunity to own multi-functional responsibilities, contribute to the senior leadership team strategies, and be a part of a wonderful work culture. In the Avon plant, you will be an important part of our high-performing team that is on a mission towards World Class Manufacturing!

This position is a 1st shift role, 7am-4pm.

To learn more about our Avon facility and the surrounding area, click here!

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Daily analytical (chemical and physical) testing of in-process materials and finished goods including but not limited to farinograph, falling number, color spectrometry, grain test weights, spec counts, NIR testing, and all wet chemistry - oven moisture analysis and overnight ash testing - frequency as requested, and any/all other future laboratory testing that is added in response to the business needs. Testing will be using prescribed methodology.
• Maintain current approved methods for all testing procedures
• Support routine maintenance, machine cleanliness, and troubleshooting of lab equipment to ensure peak operation.
• Carry out IRM program testing according to Analytical and Quality Assurance program designed by grain lab
• Make up chemical solutions and complete equipment calibrations and diagnostic testing as needed.
• Maintain sample retention as required
• Shipping all analytical flour testing samples to grain lab as requested
• Communication with Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) manager for any/all products not within specification
• Utilize computer software to enter, store, and analyze test results
• Perform data entry into the various quality system databases
• Support all other departments with data entry, integrity of data, and filing paperwork for ongoing operations
• Collect and process monthly CM samples for the grain lab - NIR Calibration
• Manage MQIS New Customer setup to support COA generation and complete COAs as needed
• Keep inventory of lab supplies and order as needed
• Perform quality audits with precision and accuracy, responding to identified issues/potential issues quickly
• Conduct FSRA/GMP inspections as requested
• Attend all monthly plant communication meetings for food and human safety training, own a plantwide safety topic/training

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma
• 1-2+ years Quality Assurance/Control laboratory/analytical testing experience or related experience
• Able to work 1st shift hours:7am-4pm.
• Schedule flexibility required; ability to work day, weekend, overtime and off shift as required
• Basic knowledge of OSHA chemical safety requirements/hazardous materials training
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems
• PC skills - proficiency with Word and Excel preferred
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and efficiently manage time
• Exemplary attendance record
• Basic understanding of continuous improvement processes
• Willingness to learn new tasks and take on additional responsibility to support the Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Function as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in laboratory setting while standing for long periods of time
• Ability to work in manufacturing areas for inspections which may require bending, kneeling, and climbing ladders
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting over surfaces

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous lab tech experience preferred
• Proficiency in basic computer skills

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for a U.S. work visa.
• Relocation support will not be offered to applicants within the United States.
• International relocation (outside of the US) will not be considered.

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one other and grow together.Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surroundingourselves with peoplewho are hungry for what's next.