Quality Assurance Area Specialist

Job Summary

Join the team at Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company! The Quality Assurance Area Specialist is instrumental in equipment management, overseeing processes, and Quality Management Systems. The role provides deep expertise, guidance, and leadership in maintaining equipment and determining solutions for quality or food safety initiatives. The specialist will advance our mission to deliver efficient, safe, and innovative finished goods to our customers.

• Safety: Ensure all QA equipment and systems meet Heartlands safety program standards and industry best practices, conduct regular safety inspections, report hazards, and promote a culture of safety among team members.
• Expertise Sharing: Share comprehensive knowledge of testing equipment and mixing/batching technologies with cross‑functional teams, monitor equipment performance, troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, collaborate with technical support for upgrades, and provide guidance and training to QA personnel.
• System Design and Integration: Support the design and integration of QA equipment systems for various departments, including assessing customer needs, selecting appropriate technologies, and overseeing implementation.
• Training: Assist with the development and delivery of training programs for all departments to enhance understanding of equipment technologies, maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality policies.
• Innovation: Stay current with emerging trends and advancements in QA systems and equipment technologies, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Troubleshooting: Act as a point of contact to resolve complex technical issues related to QA/mixing/batching equipment and quality systems, providing guidance for efficient solutions.
• Performance Optimization: Analyse data and performance metrics from equipment operations, identify areas for improvement, optimize system efficiency, perform micro sampling and platting, verify, calibrate, and maintain syrup room equipment, support syrup batch blending, inventory and control raw goods, order chemicals and lab supplies, update SAP with syrup usage data.
• Documentation: Review daily documentation from employees, ensure all quality checks and food safety regulations are followed, monitor and report inconsistencies, isolate non‑conforming products, and report to plant management.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with department leaders, plant engineers, and customers to ensure successful execution, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction.

• High School Diploma or GED required;
  Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of one year of work experience.
• Prior experience in Food Quality Assurance; production experience or proficiency in Quality Systems may substitute for QA experience.
• Beverage industry experience is a plus.
• Technical Certification preferred (focus on Food or Environmental Safety).
• Analytical thought; strong attention to detail with organizational skills.
• Familiarity with lab safety and handling of hazardous materials; ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Capable of establishing and maintaining excellent cross‑functional relationships.
• Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and be open to a flexible schedule.
• Excellent basic math skills. Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and SAP, and ability to comprehend quality software databases.
• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement, LEAN, Six Sigma, 5S, Food Safety, Environmental and Plant Safety Programs.

$59,681 - $70,212 a year

Heartland Coca‑Cola Bottling Company produces, sells, and distributes the highest quality and best tasting Coca‑Cola and Monster beverages across Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Our brand offerings provide multiple‑alcoholic beverage options, including sparkling soft drinks, water, ingredient‐enhanced, isotonics, tea, energy, juice, coffee, and nutrition. We value our people, customers, and community, driving our passion to work and win together as a team.

We offer a competitive benefits package to full‑time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement. This role may be eligible to participate in an incentive program, subject to the rules governing the program. Pre‑employment check is required.

Heartland Coca‑Cola is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and any other class protected by law. Veteran friendly.

Requisition : 243751
Company: Heartland Coca‑Cola Bottling Company, LLC