Quality Assurance Lead at a Leading Kenyan Agribusiness Company

About Us

We are a Kenyan based company renowned for producing high-quality dried fruits and puree for both local and international markets. We are committed to excellence, sustainability, and the highest standards of food safety and quality. 

About the Role

The Quality Assurance Lead will ensure that all products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and legality, in line with customer expectations and regulatory requirements. This role involves managing customer focus, hygiene, laboratory analysis, new product development, and document control.

Key Responsibilities 

Specifications Management

• Develop, maintain, and enforce product and process specifications to ensure compliance with customer requirements and food safety standards.
• Regularly review and update specifications to reflect changes in regulations or customer expectations.

Customer Requirement Training 

• Train staff on customer-specific quality and safety requirements to ensure consistent adherence.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through audits and feedback.
• Coach and mentor QA staff on best practice in the company’s operations.

Sampling and Laboratory Analysis 

• Oversee the sampling and testing of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate laboratory analysis and reporting of results.
• Keep the laboratory clean and sanitary at all times.

 Hygiene Inspections, Training and Verification of Cleaning and Sanitization Program 

• Conduct regular hygiene inspections to ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Implement corrective actions for any non-conformities identified during inspections.
• Develop and supervise cleaning and sanitization schedules to maintain a hygienic production environment.
• Train staff on proper cleaning procedures and verify compliance through inspections.

New Product Development (NPD) Support

• Coordinate the New Product Development Program to develop new products that meet customer needs and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and quality evaluations for new products.
• Ensure new products are tested and validated before launch.
• Develop quality control procedures for new products and train relevant staff.

Document Control

• Ensure all quality-related documents and records are updated, accurate, and filed in line with the company’s document control system.
• Maintain a centralized repository for all quality documents, including policies, procedures, and test results.
• Conduct regular reviews of documents to ensure compliance with international standards and company requirements.
• Train staff on the document control system and ensure adherence to document management protocols

Management of Customer Complaints:            

• Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to product quality or safety in a timely manner.
• Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence of similar issues.

Customer Surveys and Satisfaction Management:

• Conduct regular customer surveys to assess satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.
• Analyze survey results and implement strategies to enhance customer satisfaction.

Managing Visitors and Contractors:

• Ensure all visitors and contractors comply with food safety and hygiene protocols while on-site.
• Maintain records of visitor and contractor activities for traceability.

Coordinating Mock Recalls:

• Plan and execute mock recalls to test the effectiveness of the traceability system.
• Participate in actual product recalls, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Managing Packhouse Incidents related to product Quality:

• Investigate and resolve incidents related to product quality, safety, or contamination in the packhouse.
• Implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence of incidents.

Internal Verification of Critical Monitoring Devices:

• Regularly verify the accuracy and functionality of critical monitoring devices (e.g., thermometers, metal detectors).
• Document verification results and take corrective actions for any discrepancies.

Qualification and Experience 

• A degree/Diploma Food Science, Horticulture or related field
• 6+ years’ experience in a food processing environment in a senior position.
• Understanding of food safety, quality, sustainability and social management systems.
• Proven experience with Organic, BRCGS, FSSC, Kosher, Halal, or SMETA
• Good command of lean processing, housekeeping and Hygiene.
• Good command of word and data processing capabilities.