Cone Quality Team Lead
Company : Joy Cone
Location : Hermitage, PA, 16148
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Overview
The Cone Quality Team Leader will support the facility in overseeing and monitoring the inspection and/or testing of incoming materials and finished goods throughout each step of the manufacturing process to ensure adherence to established quality and food safety standards. This position will work closely with all facility departments to accomplish this support to the Quality Technicians on shift. Rotating shifts is required in this position.
Responsibilities
- Train Quality Technicians on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), relevant job duties, and ensure training effectiveness
- Assist in support of the Quality Technicians on shift and provide floor support as needed
- Create Certificate of Analysis (COAs) for all outgoing product shipments
- Verify all incoming COAs and associated receiving paperwork for compliance with supplier and internal specifications
- Communicate deviations to applicable personnel
- Perform and record microbiological testing and laboratory operations of raw materials, finished goods, and environmental monitoring
- Oversee sample collection: prepare product samples and conduct microbiological testing, evaluate and communicate results, perform instrument and equipment maintenance, inventory and order materials, keep laboratory records current and complete
- Collect and prepare raw materials and/or finished product for analytical and/or microbiological testing at 3rd party laboratory
- Conduct non-conformance investigations and complete CAPA reports
- Conduct internal inspections per the required frequency, document findings, and update CAPA Log
- Perform pre-operational and in-operational inspections
- Perform CCP and CQP verification activities
- Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Policies by employees and visitors in production & warehouse areas
- Review and verify daily food safety and quality checks and records to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures and as verification of final QA acceptance
- Act as a member of the Internal Audit Team by completing internal audits to ensure adherence to company, customer, SQF, and regulatory requirements
- Inspect and/or coordinate the inspection of returned products and complete applicable documentation
- Work with Sanitation to ensure the facility is maintained in a satisfactory manner, document non-conformances, and communicate with applicable departments for resolution
- Provide guidance to facility personnel on food safety and quality issues to maintain material and finished product standards
- Communicate food safety and quality-related concerns with Quality department management
- Perform other duties as directed by supervisor
Essential Functions
- Must be highly motivated, able to follow direction, and perform assigned work duties independently with minimal supervision
- Must be able to speak, listen, and effectively communicate with team members both verbally and in writing
- Must be able to work collaboratively with multiple departments and plant leadership
- Strong organizational skills and ability to analyze and interpret technical information, mathematical concepts, and form conclusions
- Able to read, understand, and strictly follow written procedures for multiple controlled processes
- Able to organize and coordinate multiple tasks and work under time constraints to meet deadlines
- Involves collection, organization, processing, verifying and filing of required paperwork
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills a must
- Lift up to 50 lbs and push or pull with up to 50 lbs. of force
- Stoop, kneel, climb or squat on an occasional basis
- Use hands to grip, pinch, handle, reach, or feel on a frequent basis
- Able to stand, walk, and sit for duration of shift
- Involves extensive keyboard operation and regular use of office equipment
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent with two years of related experience in a quality assurance/quality control role
- Complete all requirements of the Quality Technician position
- Analytical or microbiological laboratory experience preferred including knowledge of fundamental laboratory techniques
- Experience in a manufacturing environment; preference for food manufacturing or related discipline
- Demonstrated competency in food safety and quality requirements
- Experience with HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, GFSI, Food security, and other essential food safety programs
- Computer proficiency required with strong background in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- HACCP or PCQI Certification preferred but not required
Pay Range
Starting from USD $28.58/Hr.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
The Cone Quality Team Lead at Joy Cone plays a pivotal role in bridging communication between quality technicians and various facility departments. This ensures smooth workflow and adherence to food safety standards, especially vital in a manufacturing hub like Hermitage where teamwork impacts product excellence and operational efficiency.
Rotating shifts demand adaptability from the Cone Quality Team Lead, particularly in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing environment. Managing consistent quality inspections across varied hours requires robust organizational skills and stamina, ensuring food safety standards remain uncompromised regardless of shift timing.
Certifications like HACCP and PCQI are highly respected for Cone Quality Team Leads in Hermitage's food manufacturing landscape. While not always mandatory, these credentials demonstrate a strong grasp of food safety protocols, boosting employability and effectiveness in quality assurance roles.
A Cone Quality Team Lead uniquely combines leadership with technical expertise, overseeing inspection processes and mentoring quality technicians. This role demands in-depth knowledge of microbiological testing and regulatory compliance, setting it apart from standard quality assurance positions focused solely on inspections.
Joy Cone fosters growth by providing ongoing training and opportunities to lead internal audits, enhancing leadership and technical skills. This environment encourages Cone Quality Team Leads to deepen expertise in food safety while preparing for higher managerial responsibilities within the company.
Joy Cone emphasizes comprehensive quality oversight including microbiological testing, internal audits, and CAPA investigations, integrating leadership with hands-on laboratory work. This blend of responsibilities offers a dynamic experience compared to more segmented roles at other local manufacturers.
Hermitage's food manufacturing sector shows steady demand for skilled Cone Quality Team Leads due to its concentration of production facilities. While competition exists, candidates with microbiological and HACCP expertise tend to stand out, benefiting from localized industry growth distinct from larger metro areas.
Cone Quality Team Leads in Hermitage typically earn between $26 and $32 per hour, reflecting regional manufacturing standards. Joy Cone’s starting wage of $28.58/hr aligns competitively, offering a fair compensation package that matches local expectations for quality assurance leadership.
Daily tasks revolve around supervising quality technicians, coordinating sample testing, and ensuring product compliance with safety standards. The team lead also manages documentation, non-conformance investigations, and collaborates with sanitation to uphold facility standards, making the role both supervisory and technical.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office is crucial for maintaining accurate quality records, generating reports like Certificates of Analysis, and tracking compliance data. Joy Cone expects team leads to use these tools effectively for documentation and communication, enhancing operational transparency and audit readiness.