Auditor, Lab Testing, Shelf Life & Sensory Technician

Job Summary:

We are seeking a proactive and highly skilled Auditor, Lab, Shelf Life & Sensory Program Technician to develop, implement, and maintain standardized quality assurance programs across our multi-unit operations. This programmatic role will involve significant on-site auditing and will serve as the primary point of contact for all laboratory analyses related to shelf life extension and fresh food quality. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of laboratory procedures, quality assurance principles, sensory analysis techniques, and have experience working with multi-unit systems.

This role is located in Austin, TX with an expectation of being in the Store Support Office 5 days per week.

Key Expectations:

• Significant On-Site Auditing: Regular travel to various company units to conduct in-depth audits of laboratory procedures, equipment, and documentation.
• Direct Point of Contact: Serve as the primary expert and contact for all laboratory analyses related to shelf-life extension and fresh food quality, providing guidance and support to all units.

Responsibilities:

• Programmatic Auditing & Quality Control:
  • Develop and implement standardized laboratory auditing programs for all company units.
  • Conduct frequent on-site audits of laboratory procedures, equipment, and documentation across multiple units to ensure compliance with established protocols and regulatory standards (e.g., GMP, ISO).
  • Monitor and analyze laboratory data and results from all units, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
  • Develop and implement corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs to address identified non-conformances across multiple units.
  • Standardize calibration and maintenance procedures for laboratory quality equipment across all units.

• Shelf-Life Program Management:
  • Develop and implement standardized shelf-life testing protocols for all company products across all units.
  • Oversee and coordinate shelf-life studies conducted at various units, ensuring consistency in methodology and data collection.
  • Act as the primary contact for all shelf-life related laboratory analysis questions.
  • Analyze shelf-life data and generate reports summarizing findings and recommendations for product optimization.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to individual units on shelf-life testing procedures.

• Sensory Evaluation Program Development:
  • Develop and implement a standardized sensory evaluation program, including methodologies, training, and data analysis.
  • Establish and manage facilities sensory panels, ensuring consistent and reliable evaluations across all units.
  • Act as the primary contact for all fresh food quality related laboratory analysis questions.
  • Collect and analyze sensory data and generate reports summarizing findings for product development and quality improvement.
  • Provide training and support to individual units on sensory evaluation techniques.

• Multi-Unit Documentation & Reporting:
  • Develop and maintain standardized documentation and reporting systems for all audits, tests, and sensory evaluations across all units.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing quality assurance activities and findings.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant documentation requirements across all units.

• Collaboration & Training:
  • Work closely with unit-level management and global teams (e.g., R&D, quality assurance, food safety) to ensure consistent product quality and program implementation.
  • Develop and deliver training programs on laboratory procedures, quality control, shelf-life testing, and sensory evaluation for personnel across all units.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to all units.

Ability to travel as needed; travel time up to 35/50%

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a laboratory or quality assurance role, with experience in a multi-unit or environment.
• Strong understanding of laboratory procedures, quality control principles, and sensory analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., GMP, ISO).
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with experience in analyzing data from multiple sources.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and training skills.
• Experience with sensory lab equipment is a plus.
• Experience in auditing multiple locations is a strong plus.

Skills:

• Laboratory techniques and procedures
• Quality assurance and control (Multi-unit)
• Sensory evaluation methodologies
• Data analysis and reporting
• Regulatory compliance
• Documentation and record keeping (Multi-unit)
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Communication and teamwork
• Training and program implementation

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs. Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.