Quality Assurance & Inventory Control Special

TITLE: Quality Assurance & Inventory Control Specialist 

REPORTS TO: Production & Repack Manager 

LOCATION: Based in CARO / Raleigh Market Warehouse (Onsite)

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt  

SUMMARY:  The Quality Assurance & Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for ensuring inbound produce meets USDA quality standards while maintaining accurate inventory and packaging records. This position performs detailed product inspections, monitors product condition and temperatures throughout the supply chain, and collaborates closely with Procurement, Production, and Sales teams to address quality concerns and support operational efficiency. The role also oversees inventory accuracy and helps ensure sufficient inventory and packaging materials are available to meet production demands. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Inspects all inbound produce upon receipt to verify compliance with USDA guidelines 
• Identify quality defects, product deterioration, temperature deviations, and other concerns, and accurately document findings through inspection reports 
• Identifies any defects and completes quality inspection reports 
• Track and maintain accurate inventory levels for produce, packaging materials, and related supplies, proactively identifying and resolving potential inventory issues 
• Communicate quality concerns and inventory issues promptly to Procurement, Production, Sales, and Operations teams 
• Work closely with Production to ensure adequate product and packaging inventory is available to meet production schedules 
• Support compliance with Company policies and standards, including food safety, worker safety, quality assurance, and established operating procedures 

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES: 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills – including the ability to listen effectively – and the ability to think / respond / react appropriately in fluid situations 
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to be proactive and work independently, and the ability to easily change activities and juggle a broad variety of work and still meet goals and deadlines 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate Excel functions 
• Understanding of USDA standards preferred 
• General knowledge of commodity rates and price indexes preferred 
• Fluency in Spanish preferred, but not required

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required 
• Forklift certification required; training to obtain certification is provided after hire 
• Experience in the produce industry preferred 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Primarily warehouse-based, including multiple temperature-controlled coolers 
• Frequent movement between varying temperature zones throughout the shift, including refrigerated areas as low as 30°F 
• Requires constant awareness of surroundings with active forklift traffic and large produce handling machinery in operation 
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but could be loud 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly sits; uses hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talks or hears 
• The employee must be able to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus 
• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements while inspecting, sorting, and handling produce 
• The employee must stand for long periods of time and walk often 
• Safely use manual tools and equipment, including knives and other sharp cutting instruments, to inspect, sample, or prepare produce for quality evaluation 
• Regularly climb and descend ladders to access inventory, conduct inspections, verify stock levels, and perform quality assurance activities in elevated storage areas 

CORE COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORS 

Team Oriented 

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others 
• Is approachable and open to different opinions and feedback 
• Earns the confidence, trust, and respect of others

Communication    

• Communicates in an open and honest way 
• Builds consensus – solicits input and discusses options with people affected before making decisions 
• Keeps others informed, communicates expectations, and shares information 
• Listens actively to external and internal customers, while understanding others’ views and needs

Values Driven    

• Supports, promotes, and models the values of the L&M Family of Companies (Respect, Passion, Leadership, Excellence … always with Unyielding Integrity) 
• Fully aligns with the enterprise and the Company’s Success Model 
• Balances entrepreneurial spirit with the needs of others and the Vision of the Company 
• Shows a strong work ethic and commitment to the Company

Customer Focus 

• Treats customers as business partners 
• Listens actively to external and internal customers 
• Constantly looks for better ways to service customers