Position Overview:

The Quality & Food Safety Auditor supports the Quality and Food Safety department in the analysis of quality processes & output related to Chiquita products Pineapples and Bananas. This position analyzes the quality of the fruit, some processes, systems, and product information and identifies potential improvements in addition to providing business related information to the respective Chiquita businesses. This job manages the inspection of the bananas, looking for characteristics that can create an impact (positive or negative) on our customers/consumers. For example: temperature, appearance, size, weight, and so on.

This is an exempt position within the Quality Assurance Department responsible for quality control. The Primary duty of this role is office/non-manual work directly related to management or general business operations of the employer or the employer’s customers. This role includes discretion and independent judgement in matters of significance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for conducting a regular set of quality inspections to the fruit at arrival to our Chiquita DC and/or customer’s location.

Makes independent decisions continuously on the quality of the commodity, audits commodity lifecycle, decides what loads, farms, or source countries for purchases and makes recommendations. Based on results, he/she can either reject or accept the load.

Provides immediate feedback to the Quality Division or Sourcing and Sales Department, as well as others in the Supply Chain regarding fruit quality and its condition. This will allow for immediate corrective action where necessary and to avoid customer issues by making decisions about the product.

Responsible for accuracy of statistical data collected and communicated and for periodically calibrating with other Quality auditors/coordinators/inspectors to ensure accuracy of inspections. These inspections bring the right opportunity to educate our customers & consumers about our fruit, its requirements and condition, how to recognize defects & determine how serious they are, and lastly, how to perform inspections on the fruit.

Maintains timely information updates and reports to respective customers/businesses.

Manages quality information tools for the analysis of product, transportation and/or other parameters that could impact product or system quality.

Tracks, follows up and ensures Quality resolutions comply with customer and Chiquita Quality policies and procedures.

Investigates possible causes and actions for quality related issues, including review of information collected from various sources.

Generates weekly Quality reports.

Provides administrative support as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in related field is desirable.

Minimum 1-3 years related experience in quality control of fresh fruit.

Fundamental knowledge of the fresh fruit business.

Proven analytical skills resulting in effective decision making.

Demonstrated problem solving capability.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to multitask and have a sense of urgency.

Ability to prioritize duties in a changing environment and still meeting business objectives.

Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within teams and at all levels of the organization.

Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Travel requirement: occasionally to visit customers, training purposes and other quality contingencies.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.

Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.

Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.