Quality Control Produce Inspector

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of this position is: responsible for product quality control management and food safety/sanitation within the Distribution Center; manages the produce program in the DC, ensuring compliance with all USDA regulations and Tops food safety requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate regulatory mandated procedures and processes of the USDA grading program.
2. Interact with USDA inspector when called in for rejection of product.  (Required).     
3. Monitors and report status of food safety and sanitation practices at the C&S DC for all produce products.  Conduct periodic sanitation inspections and report findings to the Manager of Quality Control.
4. Identify low value product substitutions on inbound produce deliveries arriving at the Tops DC. 
5. Identify deliveries with short weigh cases to enable deductions to be taken against offending vendor.  Report findings to Produce, & QC Manager.
6. Monitor freshness and proper rotation/shelf life of the produce inventory at the Tops DC.   
7. Perform produce shelf life tests to help ensure product wholesomeness and quality.     
8. Perform source inspections and buying functions at nearby markets, as coordinated by the QC Manager.     
9. Provide back-up for the Meat and Seafood Inspectors.
10. Provide technical assistance to DC Perishable Receivers, Store Department Heads, and customers, if required Conduct training for DC Associates on proper product handling and correct food safety/sanitation procedures.
11. Liaison with the inspectors at the stores with store samplings.
12. Other duties assigned by the QC Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education (Minimum Needed): High school diploma or equivalent GED certificate. Complete knowledge of produce products handled through the DC.
• Experience (Minimum Needed): Minimum of three years experience in retail produce operations.
• Specialized Knowledge Needed For Performance of Job:  Knowledge of Distribution Center operations in support of servicing stores.
• Special Skills: Food Safety Certification. Excellent communications both written and oral (phone) skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education (Minimum Needed): High school diploma or equivalent GED certificate. Complete knowledge of produce products handled through the DC.
• Experience (Minimum Needed): Minimum of three years experience in retail produce operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS