Quality Data Analyst at The Honest Kitchen Inc – San Diego, California

QA Data Analyst

COMPANY SUMMARY (“Who are we?”)

We are The Honest Kitchen. We’re a team of pet-obsessed foodies, who put our heart and soul into our work – making a line of human-grade whole foods, treats, and supplements for dogs and cats. We’re a rapidly growing business that is a proud B Corp, (which is a legal corporate structure that allows us to operate and make decisions based upon a triple bottom line, factoring in social and environmental impacts right alongside our prioritization of long-term financial sustainability!). We were also named one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work for 6 straight years and certified as a Great Place to Work!

We strive for an inclusive work culture that supports a diverse array of skills, experiences, and perspectives our employees bring to the table. For us, differences are a source of strength. We celebrate strong performance and ethical processes, and we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where all employees can innovate and thrive. Here, you will not only build your career, but you will also uncover new experiences and collaborate with passionate colleagues.

The Honest Kitchen values a diverse workforce. Everyone, including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply. The Honest Kitchen believes that an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re looking for candidates who can expand our business culture by bringing their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to provide all qualified candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process.

POSITION SUMMARY (“What are we looking for?”)

Provide support for QA department analytical review, testing, inspection, and evaluation practices as well as support functions related to materials, production, and incident management. Assists with planning and implementing food safety programs, such as but not limited to, analytical testing, material coordination, non-conforming products, allergen testing compliance, HACCP, Sanitation, and QMS. Initiate and complete food safety incident investigations by using root cause analysis. Complete routine auditing of practices and documentation as assigned as well as review of training, records, and documentation. Complete validation and verification studies of the food safety programs. Complete additional projects related to quality improvements or cost-saving initiatives as assigned. Strong leadership, organizational, and technical skills are required for this position.

This position will utilize technical tools to analyze and measure data quality and develop action plans to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Initiate root cause analysis and problem-solving practices to resolve incidents and hold productsParticipate and lead continuous improvement initiativesSupport all testing functions of the organizationSampling program (includes “rolling schedule” and “product cutting”)Conduct analytical testingR&D initiativesParticipate in positive release program (all facilities) Performance of Quality Data Oversight of the Quality Control LaboratoriesReview and Approval of Laboratory Protocols/Reports and Laboratory InvestigationsKnowledge of regulatory programs (federal, state and AAFCO)Assist with the organization of internal and external audits (supplier and manufacturer)Develop, implement, and maintain quality system policies and programs pertaining to data collection and analysisMonitor quality assurance, production, and material inspection, adherence, and compliance as assigned. Aid in the advancement of quality systems and programsCollaborative maintenance of Quality Management Systems (QMS)Maintain ongoing documentation needsReview system for company complianceResponsible for the creation, review, approval, and issuance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Manage Corporate processing of deviations, CAPAs, and change control processes Conduct and coordinate Root Cause InvestigationsResponsible for the implementation and monitoring of the electronic Training SystemsPerformance of risk analyses and complete associated documentationResponsible for documentation archivalAchieve quality assurance operational objectives by contributing information and analysis to strategic plans and reviews; prepare and complete action plans; identify and resolve problems.Maintain quality assurance plans by conducting hazard analyses; identifying critical control points and preventive measures; and establishing critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification proceduresValidate quality processes through raw ingredient and finished product specifications Prepare quality documentation and reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends including failed processes, stability studies, corrective actions, and re-validations.Perform other duties as required to support the Quality team or internal stakeholders.REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

Proven professional relationships with quality/regulatory agency personnelAble to effectively communicate verbally and in writingStrong leadership and task management skillsExcellent attention to detailAbility to use independent judgment to make decisions and solve problemsHigh integrity and ability to exercise good judgmentMust love animals and be passionate about their healthUnderstanding of food safety including GMPs, SOPs, and HACCPUnderstanding of product development and food manufacturingProficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Package (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)Must have a strong work ethic and be a self-starterMust be able to work and complete tasks independentlyMust be able to work well in a team environmentREQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Science-Biology/Chemistry/Food Science or equivalent job experience preferred3+ years of Quality Assurance experience preferredAble to obtain HACCP and PCQI (Human and Animal) certification Must have work experience in GMPs and statistical methods of handling & reviewing investigationsMust have strong data analysis skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role is performed both in a manufacturing environment and/or remote office locationMust be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time Must be able to move freely through a manufacturing facility and lift up to twenty-five (25) lbsMust be able to operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printerMust be proficient in data analysis (Pivot Tables, Charts, Graphs, Minitab, Tableau, etc.)Must be able to operate manufacturing quality equipment, such as calipers, FOSS, density measuresMust be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understandMust be able to exchange accurate informationMust be able to observe for long periodsMust be located in the Midwest and able to travel up to 50% of the timeMust be able to observe details at close range

The salary range for this role is: $75,000-$80,000 per year.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE HONEST KITCHEN (“What do we offer?”)

We offer a competitive compensation package, including salary and robust employee benefits. Some key highlights include:

Time off: We offer a highly competitive time off schedule, including unlimited vacation and additional sick time, in addition to a generous company-paid holiday schedule.Benefits: Various health insurance plans with generous employer contributions to premiums. We also offer vision, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, critical illness, an employee assistance program, and an FSA/HSA.Financial wellness: Enjoy perks like a company 401K with an employer match.Mission Driven: Employees can take up to 40 hours of volunteer time a year, and we offer donation matching to non-profit organizations of your choosing.Pet Friendly: Pet-friendly offices, zoom calls, discounts on pet insurance, and of course, free pet food!Collaborative Team: We offer a fun, team-oriented work environment where you feel like you are making a difference every day.

As a Public Benefit Corporation, our company's practices and outputs are assessed and evaluated across five categories: Governance, Workers, Community, The Environment, and Customers. We track our social and environmental impact over time and publicly disclose our performance in our annual impact report.

As an employee of a Certified B Corp, it is required that in performing your role, you factor social and environmental impacts into decision-making and actions as they pertain to your role with The Honest Kitchen, so as to ensure that our actions make a positive impact where possible.

*The Honest Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer. The Company’s policy prohibits discrimination based on race, religious creed (which includes religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status.