Quality Assurance Analyst

Position Overview & Role Purpose:
Are you an analytical quality assurance or food science professional looking to support food safety, import compliance, and product quality standards for a major national retail network? Lidl US is seeking a Quality Assurance Analyst (Food and Import Analytics Specialist) to join its corporate team in Arlington, Virginia.

In this pivotal operational and administrative role, the Quality Assurance Analyst provides daily analytical and workflow support across departmental projects. You will oversee compliance processes, sample evaluations, foreign supplier verification, and regulatory monitoring under FSMA/FSVP frameworks, serving as a key point of contact for suppliers, internal purchasing teams, and regulatory authorities.

About Lidl US:
Lidl US operates high-quality grocery stores across the East Coast, backed by a global network spanning 30+ countries. The Quality Assurance team holds the key responsibility of ensuring every food and consumer product sold not only meets U.S. Federal and local standards but exceeds expectations in freshness, safety, and value.

Key Responsibilities & Quality Assurance Functions:

1. Operational Workflow, Data & Project Analytics:
– Manage daily QA work processes, data entry, and system workflows to ensure high departmental efficiency and policy compliance.
– Assist in regional and international projects by developing business requirements, participating in software system testing, and implementing technical workflow improvements.
– Support the creation of training manuals, diagrams, presentations, and departmental project plans.

2. Quality Assurance Standards & Supplier Operations:
– Organize sample evaluations, planning activities, and supplier feedback discussions in accordance with Lidl Quality Assurance Standards.
– Provide technical support to the Purchasing Department on product quality questions, risk assessments, and analytical testing results.
– Manage notifications regarding product issues, analytical deviations, and authority communications.

3. Food Safety Regulatory & Import Compliance:
– Monitor and implement legal requirements including the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) guidelines.
– Track legal and market developments, assess impact, and derive actionable guidelines for internal teams and external stakeholders.
– Act as the initial operational point of contact for critical product inquiries, regulatory authorities, and supplier quality resolutions.

Qualifications, Required Experience & Core Competencies:

– Academic & Professional Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or a related discipline.
* Minimum 1 to 2 years of relevant professional experience in QA, food safety, or retail regulations.
* In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, 4+ years of direct experience in a related field will satisfy educational requirements.
– Preferred Certifications & Software Knowledge:
* Preferred Certifications: HACCP Manager Certification or PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) Certification.
* Preferred Software Experience: SAP software and ICIX platform proficiency.
– Technical Knowledge & Core Skills:
* Sound understanding of food science principles, manufacturing processes, and consumer product regulations.
* Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
* Proficiency in MS Office Suite; ability to work sitting at a desk/computer and lift up to 40 lbs when handling samples.

Compensation & Benefits Package:
– Hourly Pay Scale: Starting rate of $33.66/hour (with potential progression up to $38.74/hour).
– Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
– Financial Protection: AD&D, Short-Term/Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance coverage.
– Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 5% company matching contribution.
– Time Off & Discounts: Paid Time Off (PTO), holiday pay, and corporate employee discount schemes.