FSQR Flex Technician
ILLES Foods Job Description
Job Title: FSQR Flex Technician
Reports To: FSQR Supervisor, Mckenzie
FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt, On-Site
About Us:
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development. As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external.
Job Summary:
The Flex FSQR Lab Technician role demands a high level of schedule flexibility—this is a critical requirement for consideration. While the standard shift is 1st shift (7:00am–4:30pm) for most work weeks, the Flex FSQR Lab Technician must be prepared to adapt to various time slots including 4:00am–2:00pm, 7:00am–5:00pm, 4:30am–3:30pm, and 12:00pm–12:00am to cover for other FSQR Technicians during absences such as vacations or illnesses. Additionally, this role requires familiarity with both our Liquid Production and Dry Blending Production facilities and the ability to work at either location as needed. Special projects may also necessitate split shifts between 1st and 2nd shift. While the typical workweek runs Monday through Friday, occasional Saturdays may be required based on production demands. Adaptability and willingness to shift schedules on short notice are essential to success in this position.
The Flex FSQR Lab Technician inspects, tests, and approves finished goods and raw material receipts under the guidance of FSQR leadership; conducts warehouse inspections and line checks for compliance to GMP’s, Food Safety, and FSQR/Sanitation policies and procedures; collects data, maintains files, and distributes analytical & related information as required; and preforms pre-operational inspection at both production facilities as needed. They will perform quality assurance activities in accordance with BRC requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), as well as all Illes SOP’s and Quality standards. All Illes Partners conduct themselves in a manner that is aligned with Illes Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Conducts all analytical and organoleptic tests applicable to each product.
Performs data entry of all results and creates COAs as required.
Conducts calibration on all equipment as required.
Carries out environmental sampling utilizing sterile sample collection techniques.
Samples equipment for verification of sanitation effectiveness.
Collects finished product samples for internal and third-party testing.
Prepares samples for shipment to third-party labs or customers.
Performs pre-operational inspections as needed (at both production facilities as needed).
Performs line checks during production.
Completes warehouse inspections and bug counts as needed.
Ensure that food safety, legality, integrity, and quality standards are always maintained.
Releases raw materials for use in production upon request from a member of FSQR Management.
Puts materials on hold or releases from hold upon request from a member of FSQR Management.
Pulls samples of finished goods, raw materials, or retention samples for further evaluation or testing.
Cycle counts materials currently on hold.
Maintains training records for the department.
Maintains laboratory supply inventory for both facilities.
Collects and summarizes analytical or technical data related to special projects, monthly KPIs or data inquiries from customers or other departments.
Maintains detailed records of special project data and is able to present summary results in written form, graphic form, and/or with photographs.
Able to perform internet research upon request by FSQR Management as it relates to special projects.
Maintains all work areas in a clean and organized manner.
Perform other tasks as assigned by Management.
Regular attendance for scheduled shifts is a requirement of this position.
Required Key Skills and Qualifications:
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Adherence to policy, procedure, and attendance requirements.
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Flexibility – Available to pivot and change work hours as needed with little notice. Able to handle pressure and change.
Initiative – Taking action to begin a process, often done without direct managerial influence. Includes sharing ideas, helping to improve business, speaking up about problems, and suggesting potential solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Read, speak, and write fluent English.
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. Comfortable addressing peers and other members of management.
Teamwork -work closely with all departments in a professional, cooperative manner.
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license.
Experience, Education and Certifications:
Bachelor’s or Associate degree with 2 years’ experience working in an industrial laboratory (preferably food). Will accept relevant industry experience in lieu of degree.
Operational proficiency of MS Office Suite: Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams are required.
Experience working with various digital tools and Microsoft Apps is an advantage.
Preferred: CRM, ERP, inventory management systems experience.
Preferred: Familiarity with TraceGains, ICIX, One Drive, SharePoint, and Google Sheets or similar tools.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
Taste, smell, and see well enough to discriminate quality and quantity aspects individual flavor and seasoning components of food products and ingredients. Physically able to lift 35 lbs. See well enough to read pertinent documents (hard copy as well as computer screen data and reports). Ability to hear directions in a noisy environment. Be able to effectively communicate with all contacts both orally and in writing. Ability to drive from plant to plant regularly. There are 2 plants 1.3 miles away from each other
What We Offer:
We are a core-value driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!
Disclaimer:
The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated at any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (M/F/D/V)