Role Overview
This role is a key pillar to support Company Operations by ensuring adherence to established quality parameters by every department and enforcing world-class quality standards across the company. You will be accountable for the management of customer complaints with a vision to set systems and controls to reduce their number and frequency. The Quality Manager is responsible for regular reviews of quality parameters and standards, ensuring continuous improvement, testing raw materials and products, and discovering opportunities for improving working conditions and executing the company's Health & Safety programs. You will create a culture of continuous improvement, discipline, waste elimination, a lean resource structure, and adhere to safety standards at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure zero major customer complaints and implement controls to reduce minor complaints.
- Maintain a safe working environment across all departments with a goal of zero work-related accidents and injuries.
- Manage the Quality Assurance team, including supervision, evaluations, training, job description reviews, appraisals, and performance management.
- Ensure compliance with legal and government regulations (Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental issues, KEBS, NEMA, US FDA, UKAS, etc.).
- Lead communication across relevant departments to ensure all customer quality complaints are resolved satisfactorily and on time.
- Understand customer expectations and product needs.
- Conduct external audits of both new and existing suppliers.
- Utilize the ERP system efficiently for communication flow and report generation, including system improvements.
- Record and report quality control evaluation results to top management.
- Identify and correct process gaps, including data accuracy.
- Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality control processes for production and hygiene.
- Implement and execute current ISO standards and certifications, including Food Safety Systems Certifications (FSSC).
- Conduct food safety training and perform internal and external audits.
- Support Kaizen, energy management implementation, and other change programs.
- Review and improve critical control points and allergen management.
- Evaluate product recalls and conduct mock recalls.
- Ensure plant cleanliness and manage cleaning/sanitization departments and the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).
- Manage hygiene standards, including awareness and control measures within the company.
- Participate in new product development and product trials.
- Supervise online quality tests and approve chemical and microbiological tests on raw materials and finished products.
- Design and review product specifications for new and existing products.
- Conduct intra and inter-departmental training.
- Inspect and approve all incoming materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
- Develop company standards for raw materials and end products in consultation with R&D.
- Evaluate warehousing and distribution conditions on product shelf life.
- Ensure machine compliance with statutory issues and calibration.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science.
- Master’s Degree is an added advantage.
- In-depth knowledge of modern Quality Management Systems and Processes.
- Working knowledge of regulatory legislation on Safety, Health, and Environment management.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience, with at least 2 years in a similar role.
- Experience in the Food Manufacturing Industry is preferred.
Competencies and Character Traits
- Hard work, honesty, and high integrity.
- Energy, passion, and a positive attitude.
- High attention to detail.
- Strong team spirit and interpersonal skills.
- Proactive approach to reporting and problem-solving.
- Ability to build trust and foster innovation.
- Professional presentation and outlook.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by visiting the Tropical Heat application portal on snapstartalent.com. You can access the application link directly at: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1193343
