About this role
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Position Overview</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">The Quality Assurance Baker is responsible for evaluating the quality, consistency, functionality, and food safety of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods through bake testing and quality verification activities. This role supports product quality initiatives by conducting bakery-based testing, documenting results, monitoring compliance with food safety standards, and collaborating with Production, R&D, and Quality teams to ensure products meet Pennant Ingredients and customer specifications. This role includes performing bake tests, sensory evaluations, analytical testing, and maintaining accurate quality records. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Primary Responsibilities </span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0in;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Perform bake tests according to established formulas, recipes, and customer specifications.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Evaluate finished baked products for appearance, texture, flavor, volume, color, and overall performance.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Conduct analytical testing including pH, moisture, and other applicable quality measurements.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Record and maintain accurate test results and quality documentation in required databases and systems.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Verify compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), BRC requirements, and food safety programs.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Conduct product inspections and quality checks throughout the manufacturing process.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Monitor incoming raw materials, packaging, and labels for compliance with specifications.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Maintain retain samples and retention logs in accordance with quality procedures.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Apply hold tags and assist with product hold management activities as required.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Perform daily calibration and verification of laboratory and testing equipment.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bake lab, quality workstations, and testing equipment.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Participate in investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Communicate quality concerns promptly to QA leadership and production personnel.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Assist with special quality projects, product evaluations, and validation activities as assigned.</li> </ul> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><strong>Education Requirments</strong></p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Minimum: High School or GED</p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Preferred: AAS Degree - Associates or Bachelors in Food Science, Baking Science, Quality Assurance, Microbiology, or related field</p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><strong>Minimum Experience</strong></p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Minimum: 2 years of bakery, food manufacturing, quality assurance, or related experience</p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="line-height:116%;margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><strong>Prior Knowledge /Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Strong understanding of baking principles and ingredient functionality.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Knowledge of food safety systems including GMP, HACCP, and BRC programs.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Ability to follow formulas, test procedures, and written instructions accurately.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Ability to analyze quality data and identify trends or deviations.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and data entry systems.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Strong communication and teamwork skills.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Baking Science, Quality Assurance, Microbiology, or related field.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Experience performing bakery applications testing or quality laboratory work.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Knowledge of SAP or similar manufacturing systems.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Previous experience in an BRC-certified food manufacturing environment. </span></li> </ul> <p style="line-height:116%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="line-height:116%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Work Environment</span></strong></p> <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0in;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, stoop, kneel, and climb as needed.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Ability to work around manufacturing equipment, dust, noise, temperature fluctuations, and food allergens including wheat, dairy, egg, and soy.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Demonstrate Pennant Ingredients' commitment to quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Maintain professional conduct and effective working relationships across departments.</li> <li style="line-height:116%;margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt 0.0px;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Support Pennant Ingredients' mission of delivering safe, high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations.</li> </ul> <p style="margin:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif"> </span></strong></p> <p style="margin:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">General Safety Responsibility Statements (Essential)</span></strong></p> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Actively participate in all required safety training and adhere to company health and safety policies.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Maintain a safe work environment by identifying and reporting potential hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to a supervisor.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Properly use and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Safety is everyone’s responsibility; all employees are expected to act in a safe manner at all times to prevent incidents.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company-specific safety procedures (e.g., JHA, Lockout/Tagout).</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Operate heavy machinery and equipment safely, ensuring all safety guards are in place and functional.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Maintain a safe, ergonomic workspace, including attending, and participating in safety drills and emergency evacuation training.</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">QA</span></strong></p> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Possesses a thorough knowledge of industry standards and best practices.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Produces high-quality, accurate work with strong attention to detail.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Exhibits high levels of integrity, dependability, and trustworthiness.</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif">Maintains a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-right:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0in;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Compensation:</span></strong></p> <ul style="margin-top:0.0in;margin-bottom:0.0in"> <li style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:normal;background-color:white;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#222222">Hourly compensation is based on skills and experience, ranging from $24.00-$30.00</span></li> </ul>