Technician, Quality Assurance

Where Conviviality is at work.  

North American Distillers (NADL) is where we manufacture our award-winning American Whiskeys such as Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, TX Whiskey, Skrewball, and Smooth Ambler.  NADL is part of Pernod Ricard, a global premium spirits and wine company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT® Vodka, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, and The Glenlivet® Scotch whiskey, as well as many more superior wines and exquisite champagnes! 

Working at NADL is all about igniting conviviality in all that we do. Derived from the French word, convivialité…it means human connection, authenticity, friendly, and jovial. Conviviality is energy and spirit with a splash of je ne sais quoi and is a core philosophy around how we live and work at Pernod Ricard.  

Guided by our 4 core values: (1) grounded in the real; (2) fiercely authentic; (3) passion for challenge; and (4) connected beyond borders; we are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, movers and (cocktail) shakers. We have a passion for living life to the fullest, making new friends every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business! 

The Salary range for this role, based in Arkansas, is $52,240.00 to $65,300.00. The range may vary if the role outside of this location.  Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Position Summary

This position supports the culture that drives behaviour towards excellence.  You will ensure the highest standards of quality and food safety.  Key responsibilities will be to provide quick and efficient analytical and technical expertise to support production and ensure a consumer centric focus.  Cross functional collaboration internal and external is integral to this role.   Other responsibilities will include leveraging data collection and trends, standardization and streamline processes to drive continuous improvement.

Accountabilities

Conformance to Product and Packaging Specifications:

• Perform routine analytical tests on alcohol products including proof, weight per gallon, color, brix, pH, turbidity, obscurations, total solids, sensory, GC-FID, GC-MS, and physical measurements of packaging materials.
• Record and maintain accurate records of test results.
• Maintain production and sensory reference libraries.
• Support the implementation of new formulas - provide analysis and reporting when necessary.
• Limited communication with suppliers under direction of QA management and Supplier Engineer.
• For liquid non-conformities, drafting and submission of non-conformance requests to be sent to brand owners.  

Conformance of Bulk Ingredients, Liquid and Dry:

• Analysis on preshipments, received flavors, bulk ingredients and finished blends including the use of above-listed methods. Analysis of dry supplies related to packaging.
• Record and maintain accurate results. Report to appripriate personnel as necessary.
• Maintain bulk and flavor reference samples.
• Reduction of non-conformances, rework, and product loss. For liquid non-conformities, drafting and submission of non-conformance requests to be sent to brand owners.   

Sensory Program Administration & Organoleptic Analysis:

• Participate in and lead sensory analysis. Set-up and take down daily panels.
• Maintenance of current sensory references and records of all results.
• Routine administration including but not limited to training/coaching of panelists.
• Provide support for any special projects related to Sensory.
• Support wash evaluation and development plant-wide, including analyzing headspace on NGS washes and providing production and scheduling guidance.

Quality Management Systems and EH&S; Compliance to GMPs, Hygiene Standards, and ISO Series (9001, 14001, 45001, 22000/FSSC22000):

• Maintenance (routine review & updates as necessary) of Procedures and Work Instructions.
• Responsible for ensuring maintenance of ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 22000/FSSC2200, GMP and HACCP records.
• Input Work Orders as necessary to drive repairs aimed towards improving performance.
• Support the Pernod Ricard Safety Culture initiative and report any safety risk or concerns to department management.
• Must follow written PPE requirements and abide by all safety guidelines outlined in procedures and work instructions. Ensure all employees adhere to safety and GMP po