Quality Assurance Officer

The Quality Assurance Officer is responsible for overseeing and managing all quality and food safety programs across lab and production operations in the Group.

SUMMARY OF JOB: The Quality Assurance Officer is responsible for overseeing and managing all quality and food safety programs across lab and production operations in the Group. This role ensures that products meet internal quality specifications, customer requirements, and all applicable food safety regulations and standards. Key responsibilities include conducting audits and inspections, monitoring critical control points, verifying sanitation and hygiene programs, and maintaining compliance with regulatory and certification standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO, FSSC).

The Quality Officer also manages quality data, investigates and resolves product non-conformances, and leads initiatives to improve product quality. Additionally, this position plays a vital role in training and developing staff and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and food safety awareness throughout the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Audit and Compliance

• Internal and External Audits: Conduct scheduled and unannounced internal audits and inspections to verify adherence to quality and food safety programs, including HACCP, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in supplier and third-party audits, ensuring timely follow-up on corrective actions.
• Regulatory and QMS Compliance: Ensure that all lab and production activities comply with the Quality Management System (QMS), company policies, and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Research and Development Support: Collaborate with R&D teams on trials, new materials, and process validations.
• Conduct special testing and provide comprehensive reports and recommendations.
• Support Group quality and food safety initiatives, including harmonization of standards and implementation of best practices.

Data Management and Documentation

• Raw Material Testing: Conduct raw material testing when required and update the Radius Supplier Test module or other relevant databases.
• Ensure that all documentation is maintained and updated, including the Specifications File for all raw materials used, certificates of analysis (COAs) and supplier files.
• Database Management: Maintain and update the X-Rite IQC & Colour Master Database, NIKKA software, and other QA systems to ensure complete and accurate data entry, traceability, and accessibility of all quality and food safety records.
• Be a system champion and ensure quality and food safety procedures and work instructions are developed, updated and maintained with SystemHub 

Product Release and Compliance

• Sample Booklet Generation: Generate, review and control sample booklets and ensure production specification sheets are accurate, current and approved.
• Product Acceptance: Decision maker for all label products whether accepted or rejected. Authorised to Stop the production line when required.
• Product Verification and Release: Ensure all products are released in accordance with the desired customer specifications. Prepare certificates of quality, as required.

Issue Resolution and Continuous Improvement

• Non-Conformance and Complaint Management: Lead the investigation of internal non-conformances and customer complaints, working closely with Production and relevant teams to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain detailed records in the Radius Non-Conformance Reports module or other relevant databases.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports on internal rejections, product holds, and quality performance and food safety metrics.
• Monitor disposal of rejected materials and ensure proper documentation.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in product quality and food safety through trend analysis, cross-departmental reviews, and implementation of process enhancements.

Training and Development

• Train and mentor internal quality and production personnel to ensure they are competent in quality and food safety systems, inspection procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with management to develop and deliver effective QA and food safety training programs, including new employee orientations and refresher courses.

Administrative and Support Functions

• QA Technician Duties: Perform all the duties of a quality assurance technician when required, including routine inspections, product testing and verification activities.
• Customer Communication: Develop and issue corrective action responses and quality reports to customers in a timely and professional manner.