The Quality & Food Safety Product Hold & Release Officer responsibility is to ensure the realization of various quality controls on the finished products before their release on the markets. The PH&R Officer will be responsible for managing the Positive Hold and Release and the Hold & Release processes (release of finished pallets based on the results of microbiological & chemistry analyses, general hold disposition management in collaboration with the Site Q&FS manager and other members of the site teams) at RFT, Royal Canin in Fremont, Nebraska.

What are we looking for?

• College diploma / University degree in science or equivalent level of experience greater than 5 years is required.

• 3+ years of work experience in a Food manufacturing environment

• Experienced in auditing, quality systems, and laboratory techniques

• Highly organized, great prioritization skills, flexible, and approachable

• Excellent customer relationship skills

• Attention to detail

• Good problem-solving experience

• Knowledge of food safety and nutrition is an asset

What will your key responsibilities be?

This Associate will manage the hold and release process on finished products:

• Receives and reviews daily microbiological & chemical results

• Ensures data reconciliation to ensure that all finished products (FP) have been analyzed, and appropriate records are available, including but not limited to shift compliance checks to CCPs, OPRPs, PCs, and other quality control and hold requirements and PCQI sign off before FP release

• Performs the extraction of the corresponding Extrusion Lot / Packaging Batch to determine traceability for any Holds as appropriate

• Verifies hold from the past 24 hrs. and monitors daily hold reconciliation of food safety holds from 3rd party & W/H records

• Ensures communication with external warehouses & local supply chain team in case of Hold of finished products/GHNs

• Alert QFS managers immediately of any concerns

• Participate in site audit programs as a member of the QFS team

• Ensure through daily verification that all products required to be in HOLD status are secured on hold

• Coordinate the review of analysis results to support the disposition recommendations for the product held and bring data and recommendations to Q&FS Manager for review & release approval

• Support the daily release of finished products to ensure timely disposition and availability of product in the market

• Ensure gaps in the process are adequately raised to the relevant stakeholders for resolution to mitigate risk

• Support the traceability of product as required to support the site on an incident investigation or customer complaint concerns

• Ensure compliance all MARS Q&FS Standards are followed

• Ensure all necessary records are maintained for review during Internal and External Quality or regulatory audits

• Be an active member if the Q&FS team supports the site in achieving all target and objectives as a team

• Manage applicable key performance indicators (KPI’s) appropriately (monitor, collect, distribute, and / or identify actions) with regard to product release and hold disposition and Day on hold

• Support continuous improvement initiatives as appropriate

• Manage the flow of samples – prioritize urgent to ensure timely release of dispositioned product

• Ensure traceability of samples: registration of samples, recording, and coding

• Organize subcontracted analysis: sending samples, monitoring deadlines

• Update team with any changes to LIMs/analysis/matrices, etc.

• Shipping samples

• Follow Waste Management System protocol

• Participate in the management of non-conformities / corrective and preventive

  actions

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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