Quality Assurance Specialist

Department: Supply Chain

Approval Line Mgr/Team Leader: QFS Manager

Sub-Department: Quality

JOB OVERVIEW

The Quality Assurance Specialist shall be responsible for managing the implementation, sustainability, and improvement of the factory quality system with regards to incoming material management, in-process quality controls, and finished product quality while working closely to build capability with operational and quality team members. This includes management of Consumer complaint reduction projects and Non-conformity management programs with suppliers as part of the quality management program.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS AND INDICATORS

A. Operational Efficiencies

• Develops site specific receiving and inspection protocols for incoming materials based upon current global policy to deliver operational and customer requirements.
• Review of incoming material specification with RNT department to define release and monitoring criteria and train teams on the program.
• Drive implementation of laboratory safe work instructions and reviews maintains and improves laboratory test methods and equipment to align with best practices, quality policies, and consumer requirements.
• Maintains Laboratory and in-line quality Test Equipment in operating condition with relevant documentation to provide reputable and reliable results.
• Maintains relevant records of inspections for all materials at receiving, in process, and finished product with trend analysis completed on a monthly basis to update the business on focus areas for improvement.
• Develops and maintains materials specific and supplier specific performance/compliance trends, with effective communication to relevant stakeholders to drive improvement.
• Communicates and follows up on gap closer of relevant deviations to stakeholders – Supplier, Procurement, Operations, using internal procedures (NCR). Escalates should any repeated NCR not be closed on time.
• Executes timeous SAP release of incoming materials with the quality team to support the business.
• Participates in Supplier COP reviews with QFS Manager, Procurement and provides regular feedback on supplier performance for the site.
• Collects, prepares and sends samples (raw materials and finished food) to approved external labs per analyses plans.
• Co-manages the site Calibration programme with Maintenance.
• Trains operators on PES standards and interpretation while driving a standard of high-quality product reviews in line to improve overall product quality through regular coaching and training.
• Manages the Hold process at plant with operations and warehouse for all Level 1 and Level 2 holds across the plant.
• Ensures that all rejections are followed through and closed off with necessary documentation where applicable (Safe disposal).
• Actively participates in the Internal audit program for the site to drive improvement specifically focusing on Line audits vs black books.
• Custodian of the Consumer Complaint reduction programs and drives awareness and closure of projects with the relevant site functions to meet the business targets and customer expectations.
• Responsible for the implementation of all quality system related requirements from Kellogg Work systems standard (KWS).
• Arrange and prepare daily food reviews when required.
• Works closely with Marketing and RND to define local “Image” product for use at food reviews and in the plant and manages the Product Evaluation System (PES).
• Data management trending and reporting of all information related to PES to drive improvement in the quality of Kellogg products.

B. Health and Safety

• Actively supports and implements the Golden 6 and Safety 7 requirements as per Kellogg requirements.
• Complies with and ensures that all health and safety rules are met and acts pro-actively by addressing any safety concerns which may be harmful to self or other employees.
• Ensures own adherence to Kellogg’s environmental management system.
• Drive safety culture by supporting the LLO / BBSHEQ programs.

DIMENSIONS, EDUCATION & RELEVANT YEARS JOB RELATED EXPERIENCE

A relevant Food Technology / quality diploma with a minimum of 4 years Quality & Food safety experience in a food industry. Trained internal auditor / lead auditor as per FSSC 22000 requirements.

DIMENSIONS, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

The ability to:

• Focus on results through quality and safety awareness, managing work, planning and organising, decision making and customer focus.
• Express potential through adaptability, applied learning, initiating action, innovation, impact and work standards.
• Interact effectively through communication at all levels, building relationships and negotiation.
• Achieve goals by developing others, facilitating change, monitoring information, inspiring others, information monitoring, meeting leadership and participation and follow up.
• Ability to coach train and impart knowledge to teams to support capability building for the organisation.
• Resilience to work under pressure in fast paced dynamic operational system while delivering on high performance.

Sufficient / in depth, knowledge of:

• Factory operations, Cereal manufacturing, extrusion and drying technologies.
• Quality systems such as BRC, FSSC 22 000/HACCP, GMP, Safety and Sanitation, Regulatory requirements, ISO 9001 or equivalent.