Quality Technologist

Quality Technologist - Permanent role - Naas
As a Quality Technologist, your role is to develop and maintain the quality and food safety systems to customer, third party standards, and ensuring adherence to relevant legislation.

Key Responsibilities:
Supplier Management:

• Maintain supplier records for all raw materials, packaging, and miscellaneous suppliers, including specifications, risk assessments, audits, and approvals.
• Conduct supplier audits as needed.
• Evaluate suppliers regularly and provide performance and quality feedback.
• Manage the approval of new suppliers.
• Keep the buying team informed about supplier performance.

Customer Management - Specifications:

• Implement and uphold detailed product specifications and quality standards.
• Develop and maintain internal factory specifications.

Customer Management - Queries / Complaints:

• Address customer queries and complaints promptly, involving relevant teams.
• Represent technical expertise during customer visits.
• Capture, record, and analyse customer complaints.

QMS & HACCP Systems:

• Be a key member of the HACCP team, ensuring food safety.
• Maintain the Quality Management System.
• Update process documentation as needed.
• Assist with internal audits for compliance.
• Participate in external audits and maintain traceability.

Testing Programs:

• Ensure product evaluations are completed as required.
• Implement testing schedules.
• Report non-conformances and drive root cause analysis.
• Communicate customer requirements and manage quarantined products.

Technical Administration:

• Maintain records for due diligence and audits.
• Champion staff training in food safety and quality.
• Drive process and quality system improvements.
• Use data for continuous improvement.
• Implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with New Product Development.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience:

• 1-3 years in a similar role in FMCG or food retail.
• Food Science-related diploma or higher degree.
• Lead auditor and HACCP certifications preferred.
• Proficient in communication and data analysis.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and regulations.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to improvement.
• Ability to train and coach employees.