Quality Assurance Assistant

About the role

You are known for exceeding expectations and you embrace the Spirit of Hawai'i, and this role places you at the center of operational excellence within our quality framework. You will own the execution of quality assurance processes that ensure our products meet the highest standards before they reach our customers. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement and to drive data-informed decisions. You will act as a guardian of our brand integrity by meticulously monitoring production outputs and customer feedback. You will contribute to a culture of continuous learning and accountability where every detail matters. You will support the implementation of best practices that align with our sustainability and social responsibility goals defined in our Takitani foundation initiatives. You will play a key role in fostering collaboration between manufacturing, logistics, and commercial teams to deliver consistent results.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop and maintain comprehensive quality control checklists for all stages of the production lifecycle from raw material intake to final packaging.

Perform systematic audits of manufacturing environments to verify compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements using standardized scoring methods.

Analyze batch production records to detect trends, anomalies, and deviations, and collaborate with operations to implement corrective actions.

Coordinate with the supply chain team to validate the quality of incoming ingredients and packaging materials, ensuring traceability and specification adherence.

Design and execute product sampling plans that simulate real-world conditions, assessing flavor profile consistency, texture, and visual appeal.

Document every inspection finding, root cause, and remediation plan in a centralized system to ensure transparency and facilitate future reviews.

Support the calibration and maintenance schedules for production equipment, verifying that instruments remain within approved tolerances.

Liaise with the commercial and marketing teams to translate customer feedback into actionable quality initiatives and product enhancements.

Lead targeted projects focused on reducing waste, improving yield, and strengthening food safety protocols across our Hawaiian manufacturing facilities.

Champion the Spirit of Hawai'i by participating in cultural training and sustainability programs that reinforce our commitment to the community and environment.

Collaborate with the Takitani foundation team to document quality improvements that enable scholarship funding and long-term educational impact.

Implement tracking mechanisms for social and environmental initiatives, such as our solar farm operations, linking quality outcomes to broader corporate responsibility metrics.

Guide new team members through structured onboarding sessions that emphasize quality standards, safety protocols, and the values that define our Hosts of Hawai'i.

Promote a zero-defect mindset by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories across departments to elevate the entire organization.

Requirements

You must be a high school graduate or hold a GED equivalent qualification.

You must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to commute reliably in a rural environment such as Captain Cook, HI.

You must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship requirements at the time of hiring.

You must have a clean background check that meets the standards required for work in a food manufacturing environment.

You must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and perform physical tasks inherent to a warehouse and production setting.

You must have strong attention to detail and the ability to follow complex procedures accurately without constant supervision.

You must demonstrate effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with team members at all levels.

You must be available to work scheduled shifts, including evenings and weekends, as business needs require flexibility.

Nice to have

Preferred candidates will have experience in a quality assurance, food production, or similar operational role within a regulated environment.

Preferred candidates will have familiarity with food safety systems such as HACCP or similar structured frameworks.

Preferred candidates will have exposure to manufacturing execution systems or data tracking platforms used in food processing.

Preferred candidates will have knowledge of macadamia nut processing, shelf-stable products, or tropical ingredient handling.

Preferred candidates will have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced consumer goods organization.

Preferred candidates will demonstrate an understanding of sustainability practices and community-focused initiatives aligned with the Spirit of Hawai'i.

Practical notes

This role operates within the constraints of our island-based facilities, requiring reliable transportation and adaptability to rural logistics.

All work schedules and availability must align with the operational needs of our manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, including shifts that may occur outside standard business hours.

Candidates must be able to obtain any necessary clearances or certifications required for work in a food production environment under local regulations.