Quality Controller

The key focus of the position Quality Control Officer is to oversee and monitor all the Quality Control points, Biosecurity controls, Animal welfare and Pre-requisite programs in ECS. Implement sampling plan and execute inhouse laboratory testing activities in East Coast Shellfish LLC project sites. The role shall be able to establish inhouse laboratory testing, histopathology and ensure that all requirements are maintained within the framework of Quality management systems, local/federal regulations and as per customer country requirements. The role is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the required food safety plan and quality standards for the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Ensure the vision, mission, objectives and act in accordance with company’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations and make sure the shift members follow the same.
• Implementation of sampling plan to meet compliance to National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) requirements and as per customer country requirements.
• Report on Quality Performance Metrics through analysis of Performance Data, identify performance gaps, trends and improvement opportunities.
• Timely closure of non-conformities raised in the internal and external audits in liaison with Line Manager and Process Owners.

Key Accountabilities:

• Capable of understanding and performing in-house biotoxin analysis, histopathology, plankton identification, microbiology and chemical analysis. Including collection, preserving and analysis of retention samples.
• Timely systematic documentation, record keeping of all sampling process and timely documentation of analysis reports.
• Maintain the sample register, evaluate the test reports and critically analyze the parameter values and trends with reference to standard limits.
• Monitoring and verification of the Critical Control Points (CCPs) and PRP’s with reference to the HACCP plan.
• Ensure compliance to approved company procedures or set standards in the daily operations and address, correct, and verify to eliminate Non-conformance in final product and process output.
• Continuously monitor the facility and premises for any pest activity/infestation that may potentially contaminate the product, raw material, packaging, and food contact.
• Assist and actively participate in traceability exercise, mock product recall, safety programs etc.
• Preparation of Customer complaint investigation and incident reports on issues related to quality, food safety, environmental & health, and safety issues in liaison with line manager.
• Maintain Quality Management System (QMS) documents and records.
• Report on any action of food fraud, theft, and sabotage if identified.
• Conduct internal audits and inspection liaison with line manager.
• Assist and support all department function liaison with department staff and line manager.

Data Evaluation:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of environmental parameters and phytoplankton species in coordination with external laboratories to track seasonal fluctuations and their impact on oyster growth, meat quality and health.
• Work to determine the possible mortality causes and analyse the trend to enhance survival rate.
• To monitor seasonal variations and their effects on oyster growth, meat quality, and health, create and maintain an extensive database of environmental factors and phytoplankton species.

Content and Quality Oversight:

• Coach and deliver training to staff in biosecurity, sampling and animal welfare practices.
• Ensure all services and outputs meet local and customer regulations liaison with line manager.
• Lead Continuous quality and safety improvement initiatives, specifically targeting to minimize biosecurity risk, rejection, and non-conforming products.

Innovation and Compliance:

• Integrate technology and innovation into the company’s operations to improve product and process output Quality.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations related to Food safety, Aquaculture, Waste management and HSE.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors’ degree in Fisheries Science/ Microbiology/ Aquaculture/ Marine Science or a related field (master’s preferred).
• At least 3-5 years of working experience as Microbiologist / Quality controller/ Lab Technologist in Aquaculture and seafood Industry.
• Proven experience with microbiology, histopathology and biosecurity management system programs is essential.
• HACCP/ ISO (FSMS)/ISO 17025 Internal Audits (preferred)
• Experience on histopathology, PCR analysis, water analysis and plankton identification.
• Knowledgeable on common fish diseases, fish health diagnostics, water quality, biosecurity and hatchery operations are an added advantage.