Quality Control Associate (Material Testing) at Food Concepts Plc

Job Purpose

• To ensure conformity of materials to standards (NIS, Codex and/or FC established) through established analytical procedure.
• To oversee improvement of existing production materials, conducting test and inspections, identifying production process or product issues and presenting solutions, processes to ensure that they meet standard.

Core Responsibilities and Key Result Areas

Quality Standards and Procedural Management

• Create a prototype of a new product in order to perfect the design in the final product
• Evaluate raw materials, packaging materials, PPE and subject them to physico- chemical evaluation referencing International standard (CODEX Alimentarius) and National standards (NIS) and approved work instruction.
• Conduct a laboratory based organoleptic evaluation on new raw and packaging materials to establish suitability for the purpose.
• Verifies water quality evaluation and escalates when the reports falls below required Nigerian Industrial standards (NIS)
• Establish effective Integrated Pest Management within the business.
• Maintain all operations and technical documents assigned to him
• Stay updated on new testing methods, technologies, and regulatory updates in the food production industry
• Collaborate with production and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Communicate test results, quality issues, and corrective actions to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure strict conformity to cGMP, GHP, and GLP at all times
• Should always ensure strict adherence to all set operation standards.
• Develop a measurable standard for materials and processes assigned to him/her.
• Maintain good and traceable documentation for all analytical, development and production processes.
• Report any non – conformity beyond his competence to the Superior without assumption.
• Collate and process analytical data, and submit adequate report timely to the superior.
• Communicate test results, quality issues, and corrective actions to relevant stakeholders.

Suppliers Certification

• Develop standards and quality criteria required from the organization raw materials suppliers.
• Demand FC’s / Regulatory agencies acceptable quality and food safety standards from our raw materials suppliers and contractors during supplies and services.
• Create a system that verifies, certifies and recommends acceptable suppliers that aligns with the FC’s minimum supplies’ quality standards.

Quality Compliance

• Responsible for product labelling compliance and for keeping product specifications current.
• Plan, promote, and organize training activities related to food quality and food safety.
• Investigate quality concerns or complaints about food raw and packaging materials
• Take necessary steps to control potentially unsafe or poor quality products

Key Performance Indicators

• Zero to minimal customer complaints related to analysed products.
• Timeliness and accuracy of test results.
• Adherence to equipment calibration schedules.
• Compliance with waste management and documentation standards.
• Effectiveness in addressing and resolving quality issues around products

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of good laboratory practices
• Knowledge of maintenance of equipment
• Demonstrates data entry skills and proper documentation skills
• Knowledge of advance scientific methods of Analysis

Job Specifications

• A good first degree in Microbiology, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Proficiency in Analytical Methods, Training in Advanced Testing, Six Sigma Certification, HACCP Certification, or any other related professional certification is an added advantage
• Minimum of 2 - 4 years’ experience in similar role

Decision Expectations

• Decides on appropriate testing methods for raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Determine product acceptability based on test results, flagging any non-conformances for action.
• Ensure raw materials meet specifications and recommend adjustments to production processes when needed.
• Manages lab equipment calibration, maintenance, and repairs, ensuring testing accuracy. Ensure all processes comply with food safety standards and maintain proper documentation to meet regulatory requirements.