Charles Browning

Kraft Heinz Quality Technicians in Granite City perform duties such as conducting quality checks on raw materials and finished products, performing laboratory and on-the-floor sampling, and maintaining quality and food safety records. They also ensure that all production processes, including primary and secondary line checks, weight checks, analytical checks and HACCP and GMP guidelines, are followed to maintain product standards. Other responsibilities verifying finished product for positive release, confirming non-conforming products are placed on hold, daily/weekly/monthly reports and training new associates on quality procedures.

Performance of duties utilized systems including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office tools, Matrics, SAP, iQS.

Quality control and testing

• Perform routine quality control activities and analytical testing in the lab and on the production floor.
• Take samples of incoming raw materials and finished products.
• Inspect products and materials to check for flaws and deviations from specifications.

Compliance and documentation

• Ensure adherence to all established Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP guidelines, and QRMP operating procedures.
• Collect, verify, and file all daily quality, HACCP, and manufacturing process paperwork.
• Maintain accurate and legible records, documentation, and reports.
• Assist in the monthly reviews of the QRMP program.
• Perform monthly process monitoring audits including GMP areas, HACCP and OPrP processes and Golden Rule reviews.
• Perform risk assessments on all issues that may result in non-conformance of any raw materials and finished products and place and non-conforming materials or finished products on quality hold through the plant's process of Hold & Release.
• Review all Processing, Secondary and Primary Packaging records of quality and weight checks, as well as operator and lead sign-offs in the process of Positive Release of finshed product.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports including Finished Product Holds Inventory, Overfill Reports and RMAT book audits of ingredient specifications.
• Perform weekly swabbing of scheduled CCP's of the fillers prior to start-ups.

Production support

• Monitor line operators to ensure they are performing quality checks correctly and in a timely manner.
• Communicate and document problems to the appropriate personnel.
• Assist operators in performing their duties to meet quality and safety standards.
• Provide training to associates on product specifications and quality procedures.

Throughout my 10+ years working in Kraft Heinz - Granite City Distribution/Warehouse I held the positions of ...

1) MO/TC (October 2002 - 2009),

• Managed inbound and outbound records (e.g., Bills of Lading, Manifests, Certificates of Analysis) and ensured proper setup of outbound drivers and materials.
• Delegated work and tasks for crew of lift truck operators (LTO's) to optimize work flow.
• Managed the Matrics system to identify, troubleshoot and correct potential issues for LTO's in order for them to continue loading/unloading efficiently.
• Coordinated truck drivers with instructions to back into loading docks for loading/unloading and signed truck drivers out with completed paperwork after loading/unloading.

2) WTO Site Expert (2009-2011),

• Training and coaching lift truck operators in enhancing WTO performance.
• Ran WTO reports and scoring on all LTO's.

3) Distribution Lead (2011 - March 2013)

• Oversaw daily warehouse operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
• Trained and mentored staff on systems including Matrics and WTO.
• Helped to implement introduction, management, troubleshooting and performance efficiency of E80 LGV's (Laser Guided Vehicles) in the warehouse process.
• Conducted regular audits of warehouse procedures to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Managed and supported a team of warehouse personnel, delegating tasks effectively to optimize workflow.
• Managed day-to-day operations of warehouse freight in inbound/outbound shipments and returns.
• Oversaw daily operations of shipping and handling processes.
• Loaded, unloaded, and sorted freight as part of accurate and efficient nightly shipments.
• Facilitated crewing and overtime needs amongst team members to enhance overall skillset and improve staff flexibility during peak seasons or absences.
• Used hand-held scanners to accurately track item movements.
• Maintained a safe working environment, conducting regular safety audits and addressing potential hazards promptly.
• Ensured all products are stored and distributed in compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal Kraft Heinz requirements, including the Quality Risk Management Process (QRMP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Participated in continuous improvement initiatives, such as 5S to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Worked with cross-functional teams including operations, quality assurance, and maintenance to ensure seamless operations.
• Optimized space utilization within the warehouse by regularly rewarehousing storage bays based on inventory needs.
• Ensured timely order fulfillment by closely monitoring shipping schedules and coordinating with carriers.
• Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to move materials.
• Performance of duties utilized systems including Microsoft Office tools, Matrics, SAP, E80 Client, WTO,
• Followed quality and safety practices and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment, proper sanitation, and general housekeeping in all areas.

• Continued all job descriptions of Phase II Air Brake, which was a sister company of the same owner.
• Led quality assurance initiatives, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations of AAR M-1003 of the Association of American Railroads and later ISO 9001.
• Coordinated training programs and grade books in qualifying air brake mechanics in the reconditioning process of dismantling/cleaning, reconditioning and testing of various railcar and locomotive air brake valves, per the quality standards and best practices of AAR M-1003 and later ISO 9001.
• Developed and implemented quality assurance manuals and programs for three companies all in the same private ownership; railroad supply and air brake shops in St. Louis MO and Longview TX and a railcar refurbishing company in National Stock Yards IL, all under the same ownership.
• Developed quality control processes to enhance product reliability and performance.
• Mentored air brake mechanics, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Facilitated AAR M-1003 (later ISO 9001) auditors in bi-annual audits, and random spot audits, in complete manual reviews and process audits.

• Managed inventory tracking and reordering of all new parts used in the reconditioning of air brake valves for freight cars, to ensure optimal stock levels and accuracy.
• Analyzed inventory data to identify trends and purchasing decisions of all new parts used in the reconditioning of air brake valves for freight cars.
• Prepared shipping documents (bills-of-ladings and packing slips) and invoices for outbound orders to railcar repair companies.
• Managed inventory tracking of all second hand air brake valves.
• Inspected inbound orders of all second hand air brake valves.
• Conducted periodic cycle counts to verify inventory accuracy of new parts used in the reconditioning of air brake valves for freight cars and second hand air brake valves in stock for reconditioning.
• Completed physical inventory counts each month.
• Verified incoming products and checked delivery totals to keep system records current and accurate.
• Distributed all new parts, from the stock room, to the air brake mechanics.
• Unloaded shipments of all new parts used in the reconditioning process of air brake valves for freight cars, reviewed merchandise, and tracked paperwork.
• Built strong vendor relationships for timely goods and materials deliveries.
• Optimized storage capacity utilization with strategic organization of products in the warehouse, allowing for easier accessibility and improved productivity.
• Packed, secured, labeled and applied postage to materials to prepare items for shipment.
• Compared shipping orders and invoices against contents received to verify accuracy.
• Scheduled invoices to be paid; accounts payable.
• Sorted all incoming mail and prepared customer payments for bank deposits.
• Handled all phone activity for sales, purchasing and all other incoming calls.