Quality and Compliance Director

The Quality and Compliance Director plans, coordinates and directs the company’s quality assurance program, designed to ensure continuous production of products consistent with established standards and to develop a programme of continuous assessment and improvements to the programme.

Quality & Compliance Director

(Based in Kingston, Jamaica)  

J. Wray & Nephew Limited (JWN) is a subsidiary of the Campari Group, a major player in the global branded beverage industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands marketed and distributed in over 190 countries worldwide. Established in 1825, JWN is the oldest company in Jamaica and one of the largest exporters in the Caribbean, with its products going to over 60 countries around the world.

The Company has Jamaica’s largest wine and spirits portfolio, comprising several owned and represented brands including the iconic Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum and Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. J. Wray & Nephew Limited’s principal operations includes the distillation of rum and other spirits; the ageing, blending, and bottling of rum; the production of wines and other alcoholic beverages and the marketing, sales, and distribution of the Company’s brands as well all non-owned brands that are represented by the Company in Jamaica. The Company owns two distilleries: New Yarmouth Estate in Clarendon and Appleton Estate in St Elizabeth. Both distilleries account for approximately two-thirds of all spirits produced in Jamaica.

Who We Are Looking For…/ How Will You Make an Impact…

We are seeking an experienced senior manager with a track record of successful managing of the Quality Assurance and Compliance function within an international consumer food manufacturing entity to fill the position of Quality and Compliance Director.

The Quality and Compliance Director plans, coordinates and directs the company’s quality assurance program, designed to ensure continuous production of products consistent with established standards and to develop a programme of continuous assessment utilizing the analysis of statistical data to guide improvements to the programme.  

This position is also accountable for the control and security of the company’s products and packaging specifications, leading the research and development function with respect to process improvement and ensuring proper management and execution of the fermenting processes within the organization. In addition, the position has overall responsibility for The Quality Management System:  directing the organization’s compliance programs (e.g. Environment, Safety, and Quality).

Mission/Objectives of the role

• Develops strategic plan for improving Quality efficiencies at all sites
• Ensures that raw material and packaging material meet the specifications for safe and quality products through the continuous review of international standards and supplier specification; inspections, testing and analysis of the material as well as supplier feedback
• Ensures that the finished products are safe and are of the highest quality by continuously monitoring the production processes including, liquid manufacture, bottling and labeling to ensure that all market, regulatory and mandatory requirements are met
• Manages the department functions so that expenses are in keeping with department budget
• Ensures Fermentation efficiency targets are met at the Distilleries
• Creates cost savings through Research and Development
• Ensures the proper execution of the Company’s compliance program

What We Want From You… 

• Plans and leads the execution of the company’s quality assurance programme for all liquid and packaging material in accordance with customer and market regulations, related Standards and relevant Food Production legislations
• Chairman of the Materials Review Referral Board
• Chief Panelist of the Organoleptic Panel
• Acts as Product recall co-cordinator
• Leads the company’s research and development activities by reviewing and improving liquid processes
• Performs analysis of aged rum Marques for Blend review
• Ensures that tests and procedures are properly understood, accurately carried out and evaluated and that production procedure modifications to accommodate raw material deficiencies are investigated if necessary
• Designs relevant quality inspection programmes and ensure that the specifications are met and maintained for all incoming materials and in process and cased product.
• Leads the investigations of all defect alerts from bottling lines and other areas to determine root cause
• Oversees, plans and monitors the execution of all raw material inspection projects.
• Effectively interacts with Production and Development teams to maintain product supply and introduce new products
• Works with Purchasing and Engineering staff to establish quality requirements for external suppliers
• Ensures that all raw material product specifications are consistent with the standards established and are in keeping with customer  and regulatory requirements.
• Develops and ensures the implementation of proper procedures to facilitate the maintenance of an accurate and up to date packaging specifications database.
• Carries out audits of supplier processes and required documentation to ensure that JWN materials are being produced to correct specification and to ISO standards .
• Develops and monitors the departments preventative maintenance programme to ensure that all equipment are in proper working order and are calibrated to specification
• Plans, designs and ensures execution of the organization’s compliance management program and its related activities
• Acts as Lead Auditor for Internal audits of ISO and FSSC standard systems
• Prepares monthly management reports on the operations of the departments
• Set up and maintain controls and documentation procedures ensuring the proper storage and disposal of quality records and control documents
• Monitors performance by gathering relevant data and producing statistical reports
• Collating and analyzing performance data and charts against defined parameters
• Prepares and present technical reports as required
• Develops the department budget and reviews expenses on a monthly basis to ensure that expenses are within budget and variance are explained
• Manages resources including people, ensuring adequate training and performance feedback, and that motivation activities are in place to energise and build commitment
• Plans, designs and conducts technical training for employees and designs evaluation methods to ensure the effective transfer of learning
• Leads the fermentation efficiency process at the Distilleries 

What Academic Achievements, Competencies and Track-Record You Will Bring…

• Ten (10) years working experience in a management position with a consumer food product manufacturer along with prior experience in the hands-on operations of a Quality Assurance department
• First degree in Applied Science or related field
• Proven track record in leading and managing a team
• Demonstrated exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Highly developed analytical and diagnostic ability and good judgment
• Keen eyesight for the evaluation of liquid and packaging materials
• Working Knowledge of statistical quality control methods
• Working knowledge of packaging, its specifications and Market Regulations for alcoholic beverages
• Working knowledge of the operations of equipment used in quality assurance
• Working knowledge of ISO Standards and FSSC 22000 Standard requirements and experience in conducting audits
• Knowledge and experience in Molasses fermentation
• Working knowledge of blending and manufacture of alcoholic beverages
• Keen sense of smell required for the organoleptic evaluation of products
• Sound knowledge of the methodology used in the quantitative and qualitative analyses of chemicals, including of rums, wines, liqueurs, other spirits and raw materials
• Initiate continuous improvement by providing team leadership and production techniques that increase productivity and profitability to overall process efficiency
• Collaborate with departmental managers and senior management on various tactical and strategic objectives to enable sound decision making
• High Proficiency with using all MS Office applications
• Working knowledge of project management
• Desire to own decisions and take responsibility for outcomes
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel when required
• Willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development 

Are you ready for an opportunity to build your international career in the Campari Group?

If you are interested, Apply Now!

We appreciate all applications; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.