Quality Assurance Analyst at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for ensuring that in-process and final products conform to the Internal Quality Control and Assurance set standards and specifications by carrying out the test/analysis, reviewing the manufacturing processes and recommending the necessary controls to eliminate possible non-conformances upstream.

Main Responsibilities

Laboratory analysis and Testing

• Analyse incoming ingredients/ consumables, WIP and finished products ready for packaging to conform to the set internal and international standards and requirements as spelled out in the documented specification sheets and to make the necessary recommendations to process owners.
• Continuous monitoring of the manufacturing processes end-to-end to assure that they conform to the set standards/specifications per the product quality and food quality standards.
• Ensure in-process and blocked products are effectively managed in the production floor per the non-conforming products management procedure. 
• Oversee the rework-process for the blocked products are done per the product quality standards and food safety requirements. 
• Responsible for validating and verifying equipment calibrations and hygiene to ensure the quality & food safety requirements are complied with.

Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with the Manager, Quality Assurance to develop and maintain quality standards , procedures, work instructions. 
• In collaboration with Packaging Analyst, support in inspection of dry goods and packaging materials to ensure conformance to the set technical specifications.
• Carry out line and winery processes hygiene inspections and audits as a pre-requisite for manufacturing and packaging for line startups.
• Identify potential sources of cross-contamination and implement immediate corrective actions to prevent product degradation.

Laboratory Management

• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration and maintenance.
• Ensure end-to-end validation of all processing lines and process steps.
• Perform routine validation and verification of laboratory equipment before and after use.
• Responsible for the general maintenance and management of the laboratory equipment and consumables.
• Responsible for the hygiene, cleanliness, maintenance and management of the labs including the laboratory waste management and health & safety requirements for the laboratory spaces.

Reporting

• Inspect and post all work in progress, finished goods and purchase orders in the Syspro/ ERP system.
• Prepare analytical reports outlining any abnormalities such as quality deviations for approval by Manager, Quality Assurance and support in the implementation of the corrective action.
• Maintain detailed documentation of quality assurance activities and findings.

Compliance Management

• Conduct regular quality assurance in-line process audits to ensure adherence to established standards and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure product compliance with local, national, and international regulations, such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Food safety management.

Customer Feedback

• Monitor ongoing customer feedback to identify product issues and drive product improvements.
• Analyse test results to identify trends, issues, and areas for improvement.
• Participate in RCA processes to ensure customer satisfaction through prompt feedback. 
• Actively participate in the delivery of projects aimed at improving process efficiency and quality.

TPM and Continuous Improvement

• Support the TPM way of working.
• Support the implementation of the improvement activities

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science /Microbiology/ Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry/ or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

• Qualified auditor- QMS and FSSC v.6 ISO standards.
• Lead auditor- QMS and FSSC v.6 Iso standards.
• Qualified/ or lead auditor – ISO 17025 standard.

Experience 

• At least 4 years’ experience as laboratory analysts in a manufacturing or quality control environment.
• Experience in the FMCG industry or manufacturing is an added advantage.
• Practical experience in the use of MS packages and ERP systems.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• A good understanding of food safety requirements relating to laboratory work.
• Understanding and knowledge in alcoholic beverage standards.
• Experience in Alcoholic beverages processing- added advantage.
• Competencies in industrial Laboratory management.
• Documentation and reporting skills.
• Laboratory techniques & skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written and listening).
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Must be proactive and able to anticipate issues rather than being reactive.
• High level of integrity.
• Logical reasoning and critical analysis to evaluate information and make sound decisions.
• Decisive and able to look at the big picture while manning processes.
• Analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhance manufacturing and quality processes and performance. 
• Continuously seeks new opportunities to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Problem solving methodologies.