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.

LEVELS OF AUTHORITY

FINANCIAL
Manages equipment calibration budget.
Annual analysis of finished food (Nutritional testing).
Quality Loss calculations and identification of improvement projects.

PEOPLE
Work closely with Online QC and operational team members to drive quality programs and systems.

BUSINESS PROCESS
None.

OTHER

RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL CUSTOMERS
Operations, Technical, Engineering, R&T, Planning, and Procurement.

EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS
Suppliers, 3rd Party Distribution parties, Kellogg Regional Teams.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS AND INDICATORS

KPA
KPI
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 specifications with RNT department to define release and monitoring criteria and train teams on the program.
Drive implementation of laboratory safe work instructions and reviews, maintaining and improving 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 closure of relevant deviations to stakeholders – Supplier, Procurement, Operations, using internal procedures (NCR). Escalates should any repeated NCR not be closed on time.
Executes timely 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 the 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 proactively 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

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 systems while delivering on high performance.

Sufficient / in-depth knowledge of:
Factory operations, Cereal manufacturing, extrusion and drying technologies.
Quality systems such as BRC, FSSC 22000/HACCP, GMP, Safety and Sanitation, Regulatory requirements, ISO 9001 or equivalent.

POSITION IN ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands includes Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others. Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents, and ideas to work.