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, Kahlua 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, convivialite...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'sexperience, 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 policies.
• Usage of SIRC cards to drive safety improvements not related to incidents.
• Achieve the corporate objective on lost time accidents.

Special Projects/Miscellaneous:

• QA-Related projects aimed towards increasing department efficiency and/or collaboration with other departments & customers.
• Maintenance of lab inventory, placing supply orders as necessary.

Continuous Improvements:

• Participation in Continuous Improvement initiatives and teams as assigned.
• Reduction of Non-Value Added tasks.
• Projects to improve lab operations and efficiencies.

Microbiological Analysis:

• Perform routine microbiological testing, recording, and reporting under direction of Microbiologist.
• Maintenance of records associated with microbiological testing.
• Release Finished products based on test results.

Wastewater and Potable Water Analysis:

• Perform prescribed analysis daily on RO tanks.
• When necessary - analyze wastewater samples - trend and report data so maintenance may take preventative action, where necessary.
• Maintain records associated with testing.
• Report any nonconformance to applicable personnel.

Export Analysis/Documentation:

• Perform analysis for export testing as prescribed by TTB chemist(s). Track outgoing shipments and create Certificates of analysis, Origin, Age, and Typicality, to be reviewed by Chemists.

Scope

Relationships:

• Quality Assurance - Complete day to day operations of the lab and complete retention as necessary.
• Bottling and Processing - Report daily sample results to operations. Identify and report nonconformance issues related to product quality.
• Organoleptic Committee - Evaluation of ingredients and products.
• Suppliers - Report approvals and rejections of ingredients. Provide feedback on supplier performance.
• External Auditors - ISO Certification.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (4 year) or equivalent.
• Preferred: B.S. or greater in Chemistry or >= 30 credit hours of chemistry.

Experience:

• Preferred: Prior lab work.

Technical Functional Skills:

• The law, the physical sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.) or applied mathematics.

Competencies:

• Demonstrate commitment to the PR USA, Fort Smith QSE Management System policy, procedures, and dedication to the achievement of Operational Excellence, business performance, and sustainability through:
  • Producing quality products with a focus on customer satisfaction and cost effective operations
  • Identifying and reducing product safety risks and practicing good manufacturing practices.
  • Practicing safety awareness and safe work practices to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and visitors: by identifying and reducing safety risks, maintaining a clean work environment, and practicing good health, hygiene, and safety practices.
  • Protection of the environment through recycling, minimizing waste, and conservation of natural resources.

When you join North American Distillers, you are part of the Pernod Ricard family. You'll experience a workplace that is rich in heritage, driven by our iconic brands and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the people and communities where we work. We know that happiness at work starts with that feeling of belonging you get from an inclusive culture where being uniquely you is celebrated. Our values are lived, they drive our behaviors, and it's what brings our culture to life.

Our work philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection with the flexibility needed to provide one's most meaningful contribution. We offer employees great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support. Check out PRUSABenefits.com for details.

This recruitment process uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to match applicant skills with role requirements and qualifications.

NADL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It employs qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience, and does not and will not, discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based upon actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service or any other classification protected by law. Offers will be subject to United States local terms.

NADL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Pernod Ricard USA will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. To request reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact us at PR_NA_TalentAcquisition@pernod-ricard.com.

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