Quality Control Officer at Reputable Firm

Job Summary

• The Quality Control Officer is responsible for ensuring that all flour milling processes and finished products meet the company’s quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. This role involves monitoring raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods through systematic testing, documentation, and compliance checks to maintain consistency, safety, and quality excellence.

Key Accountabilities

Quality Assurance Compliance

• Ensure all milling activities comply with company quality standards, food safety regulations (e.g., NAFDAC, SON, HACCP), and customer requirements.
• Implement and monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) within the mill.

Raw Material Inspection

• Conduct quality checks on incoming wheat and other raw materials for moisture content, foreign matter, odor, and insect damage.
• Approve or reject raw materials based on established quality parameters.

In-Process Quality Monitoring

• Regularly test in-process samples during cleaning, tempering, milling, and blending stages.
• Monitor critical control points (CCPs) in the milling process to prevent deviations.

Finished Product Testing

• Perform analytical tests on finished flour for parameters such as ash content, moisture, protein, gluten, acidity, and particle size.
• Ensure finished products meet specified standards before release for packaging and dispatch.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all quality tests, inspections, and non-conformities.
• Prepare daily/weekly quality reports and present findings to management.

Non-Conformance Management

• Identify, quarantine, and report non-conforming products or processes.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality deviations.

Calibration & Equipment Maintenance

• Ensure all laboratory equipment (e.g., moisture analyzer, sieves, Farinograph) are calibrated and maintained regularly.
• Follow standard operating procedures for lab equipment usage and safety.

Sanitation & Hygiene Monitoring

• Work with the production and sanitation teams to ensure mill hygiene and pest control standards are upheld.
• Conduct swab tests and environmental monitoring as required.

Customer Complaint Handling

• Assist in investigating customer quality complaints related to flour products.
• Provide technical support to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.

Continuous Improvement

• Suggest improvements in milling processes, quality parameters, or testing methods to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
• Participate in internal audits and quality management system reviews.

Responsibilities

Daily Responsibilities

• Collect and test samples from each stage of the milling process.
• Check packaging materials for quality and correctness.
• Verify production batch records and ensure proper labeling.
• Monitor storage conditions (temperature, humidity) for raw materials and finished flour.

Weekly/Monthly Responsibilities

• Compile and analyze quality performance data.
• Review and update QC checklists and standard test procedures.
• Train production staff on basic quality awareness and GMP.
• Coordinate with procurement on supplier quality performance.

Ad-Hoc Responsibilities

• Support new product development trials with quality testing.
• Assist in third-party and regulatory audits.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and stability tests if required.

Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 2–3 years in quality control within a flour mill, cereal processing, or food manufacturing environment.
• Experience with quality management systems (ISO 22000, FSSC 22000) is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in flour testing methods and use of lab equipment.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP).
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, data entry).

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, shift-based environment.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in a laboratory and milling production area.
• May be exposed to flour dust, noise, and machinery.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Shift work may be necessary to support 24/7 operations.