Job Purpose / Overview:
This function supports the manufacturing of high-quality pet food that meets or exceeds all specifications set by Mars Petcare US in the amount and schedule dictated by business needs. This function is responsible for all Quality testing of inbound raw materials.

Key Responsibilities:
Perform activities of Quality Assurance as detailed in the Quality Systems manual
· Ability to perform all lab tests and finished product testing
· Communicate results of routine QA tests to production personnel. Notify supervisory personnel and QA Supervisor of product quality or plant conditions, which may have a negative impact on the product, and work together to correct the situation. In the case of finished products, perform follow-up testing until the situation is corrected and product disposition is resolved in a quality-conscious manner.
· Collect ingredient and finished product samples as required.
· Assist in special tests or inspections requested of the plant QA department by the Plant Manager, Shift Manager, and QA Manager.
· Use Analytical data to assist Operations to determine the cause of issues.
· Understand processes at Mattoon in order to troubleshoot issues.
· Actively work towards quality improvement, (final product, plant condition, and customer service) improve productivity and cost reduction.
· Lab housekeeping and equipment maintenance
· Ability to actively address food safety and quality concerns.
· Able to cover all receiving functions as necessary.
· Able to cover all-composite labs activities as needed.
· Other duties as assigned
· Ensure adherence to all site food safety and security practices
· Maintain a safe and clean work environment to promote associate safety and product integrity 
· Must be able to cover overtime for the area. 
· Initiate PRIMPS and non-conformances in Nexus System
· Enter data into NIR and Infinity QS databases 
· Maintain inventory and calibrations for testing equipment in the lab 
· Support material quality management sampling and submission

Education & Professional Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalent plus 1-2 years experience (manufacturing environment and/or laboratory experience preferred).

Knowledge / Experience
Good basic math, reading, and writing skills. Good mechanical aptitude. Basic knowledge of personal computers. Good problem-solving skills. Good housekeeping skills and knowledge of GMP's.
 

About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.