Requisition ID 64749
Position Type (US)Full Time
Workplace Arrangement #LI-Onsite
About Kerry
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
About the role
Where you'll work
Our Rochester, MN location is part of our Applied Health and Nutrition Division and specializes in fermented ingredients for products related to the bio-science industry. Our team is proud of the work they do and have a focus on clean label or natural products ensuring freshness.
2402 7th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901
Pay Rate/Hourly Rate/shift differential $20.00 - $24.00
Shift/Working Hours 12 hr rotation, 3-2-2 schedule working 5 AM-530 PM
What you'll do
The Quality Lab Tech (Analytical) supports site Quality & Food Safety through routine analytical laboratory testing, accurate documentation, and timely communication of results. This role is also responsible for key on-floor verification activities that protect food safety and enable timely release, including sanitation verification swabbing, CCP verification checks, label verification, and initiating/maintaining product holds when quality is in question. The position works cross-functionally with Production, Sanitation, Warehouse, and Quality to ensure results are completed accurately, issues are escalated promptly, and records are audit-ready.
Key responsibilities
+ Ensures that products and QC practices are in compliance with Kerry standards and local, state and federal regulations, as well as customer requirements.
+ Gives input and assists in the development of QC procedures, policies, and philosophies. Supports equipment and Out-Of-Specification troubleshooting.
+ Interprets and evaluates Out-Of-Specification QC test results against established specifications and industry practices. Leads product customer complaint and non-conformance investigations with Root Cause Analysis (RCAAPs) with a cross functional team. Ensures that they are actioned and closed in a timely manner.
+ Ensures all non-conformances pertaining to the lab are entered correctly into the Intelex database and are assigned to coordinators for investigation. Work cross-functionally in root cause analysis and investigations following site and product non-conformances. Work with production teams to drive completion of corrective action plans.
+ Aids in the introduction and set-up of new products and testing requirements in SAP.
+ Aids in the completion of external requests of samples and shelf-life extensions.
+ Aids the Quality team in Preventive Controls checks PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) related actions.
+ Coordinates all calibrations and PMs of lab equipment.
+ Purchases lab equipment/materials and ensures proper inventories are held.
+ Perform routine factory-based food safety and quality standards inspections and audits including (but not an exhaustive list) Fabrication inspections, GMP, Hygiene Verification audits, foreign body inspections, layered confirmation audits, logging all non-conformances.
Qualifications and skills
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related scientific field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered based on role requirements.
- 0–2 years laboratory or manufacturing quality experience acceptable.
- 2–5 years’ experience in an analytical, manufacturing QC, or food laboratory environment preferred.
- Experience with laboratory instruments, sanitation verification activities (e.g., ATP/micro swabs), and working to production-driven timelines preferred.
- Working knowledge of analytical laboratory practices and safe chemical handling.
- Familiarity with GMPs and food safety fundamentals (including sanitation verification, CCP awareness, and packaging/label controls).
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures and checklists precisely.
- Ability to maintain data integrity and produce audit-ready documentation.
- Proficiency with computers and common office/lab software; ability to learn site systems used for lab documentation and release support.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills; able to escalate issues promptly and professionally.
- Strong organization and time-management skills; able to prioritize competing tasks and meet deadlines with minimal direct supervision.
- Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment and collaborate cross-functionally.
Compensation Data
The pay range for this position is $20 - $24.00 per hour. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 12-2026.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Recruiter
Posting Type DNI