Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kade Junk

Red Lion

Summary

Detail-oriented and certified Quality Assurance Lead with over 5 years of experience in food manufacturing, specializing in dairy and baking production. Proven expertise in food safety compliance, milk sampling, HTST support, resealer systems, sanitation, and quality audits. Strong skills in chemical and microbiological testing, team supervision, and documentation management for HACCP, SQF, and GMP standards. Technically proficient in SAP, KLEANZ, Minitab, LIMS, and Microsoft Office Suite, complemented by numerous industry certifications and professional development from Penn State University.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Quality Assurance Technician

Turkey Hill Dairy
10.2024 - Current
  • Performed QA inspections for dairy products, raw milk, pasteurized items, and packaging.
  • Certified in Milk Sampling and supported HTST systems (flow diversion, temperature checks).
  • Operated and verified resealer integrity; documented results to meet regulatory standards.
  • Maintained accurate lab records in LIMS; performed chemical/microbial/sensory evaluations.
  • Developed SWIs and supported GMP training and internal audit preparation.
  • Collaborated with Production, Sanitation, and QA leadership to maintain compliance.
  • Conducted root cause analyses for identified defects, implementing preventive measures to minimize recurrence rates.
  • Performed thorough inspections of incoming materials and outgoing products.

Quality Assurance Lead / Cone Quality Team Leader

Joy Cone Co.
09.2021 - 09.2024
  • Oversaw QA for cone and batter production; performed inspections, allergen control, and COA verifications.
  • Created and maintained SWIs and trained QA Technicians on SOPs and sanitation protocols.
  • Managed KLEANZ for sanitation task assignments and audit tracking.
  • Conducted internal inspections, CAPA follow-ups, and food safety incident investigations.
  • Reviewed packaging materials and coordinated testing with 3rd party labs.
  • Mentored junior team members in quality assurance best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives within the QA team to elevate performance levels consistently across projects over time.

Sanitation Specialist – Team Lead

BoDeans Baking Group
10.2021 - 03.2022
  • Led sanitation crew using KLEANZ software for SSOP documentation and scheduling.
  • Performed internal audits; reviewed cleaning validation, allergen swabbing, and material safety.
  • Updated SSOPs and streamlined sanitation reports.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop efficient sanitation processes for optimal cleanliness.

Quality & Environmental Health & Safety Assistant Manager

Jones Performance
06.2018 - 06.2021
  • Supported EHS programs, OSHA compliance, and ISO 9001/14001/45001 requirements.
  • Delivered safety training, conducted inspections, and developed emergency response procedures.
  • Collaborated with QA for fiberglass hood inspections and chemical safety testing.
  • Enhanced workplace safety by conducting regular inspections and identifying potential hazards.
  • Collaborated with management to develop and enforce company-wide environmental, health, and safety policies.
  • Promoted a culture of sustainability within the organization through effective communication strategies and employee engagement activities.
  • Managed the procurement, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with established guidelines to minimize risk exposure for employees.
  • Coordinated industrial hygiene assessments to ensure proper identification and control of potential exposure hazards for employees.

Education

Dual Certificate - Food Safety & Food Processing and Technology (Dairy)

Penn State University

Health Care Careers Certificate - undefined

Mercer County Career Center
Mercer County, PA

High School Diploma - undefined

Sharpsville Senior High School
Sharpsville, PA

Skills

  • Milk Sampling & Dairy QA (HTST, Resealer, Pasteurization Support)
  • Bakery QA (Cone/Batter Testing, Moisture Checks, Allergen Control)
  • HACCP, GMP, FSMA, SQF Compliance
  • Laboratory Testing: Microbial, Chemical, Sensory
  • Internal Audits & CAPA Management
  • SOP / SWI Development
  • Packaging Inspection & Documentation
  • Sanitation Oversight using KLEANZ
  • Microsoft Office, SAP ERP, Minitab, LIMS
  • Safety Training & Team Supervision
  • Forklift Operation & Warehouse QA
  • Testing procedures
  • Auditing
  • Lab equipment maintenance
  • Equipment inspection
  • Calibration
  • Documentation skills
  • Technical troubleshooting
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Performance testing

Certification

  • Milk Sampler Certified (Turkey Hill / PA Dept. of Agriculture)
  • HACCP Certification
  • HTST Support & Resealer Equipment Training (Turkey Hill)
  • Industry Supervisor Certification
  • KLEANZ Sanitation Software Certification
  • SWI Development Training
  • Forklift Certified
  • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training
  • CPR / AED Certified
  • Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
  • ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 (Awareness & Implementation)
  • FSMA & GFSI Internal Auditor (Training-Based)
  • Allergen Control & Traceability Awareness

Timeline

Quality Assurance Technician

Turkey Hill Dairy
10.2024 - Current

Sanitation Specialist – Team Lead

BoDeans Baking Group
10.2021 - 03.2022

Quality Assurance Lead / Cone Quality Team Leader

Joy Cone Co.
09.2021 - 09.2024

Quality & Environmental Health & Safety Assistant Manager

Jones Performance
06.2018 - 06.2021

Dual Certificate - Food Safety & Food Processing and Technology (Dairy)

Penn State University

Health Care Careers Certificate - undefined

Mercer County Career Center

High School Diploma - undefined

Sharpsville Senior High School
Kade Junk