Quality Assurance Technician

Job Opportunity: Quality Assurance Technician

Location: Rathmooney, Lusk, Co. Dublin
Department: Quality/Technical
Reports To: Quality/Technical Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Quality Assurance Technician to join our Quality/Technical team. This role is crucial in ensuring that our production operations adhere to the highest quality standards, meeting food safety and customer requirements, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our quality control processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Compliance:
• Ensure all food products are prepared, portioned, and packed according to established quality standards and detailed product specifications.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure products meet food safety standards, customer specifications, and legal requirements throughout the production process.
• Corrective Actions:
• Lead or support root cause analysis in the event of any non-conformance, reviewing production processes, raw materials, handling procedures, and personnel practices.
• Implement corrective actions to resolve issues and develop preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, including updating SOPs, retraining staff, or adjusting production techniques.
• Testing and Inspection:
• Conduct and oversee testing procedures on incoming raw materials to ensure they meet quality standards before use in production.
• Perform regular inspections and tests of finished products, including sensory evaluation, microbiological testing, and shelf life assessments.
• Utilize statistical sampling methods and test protocols to monitor product quality consistency and detect potential issues.
• Hygiene Monitoring:
• Oversee factory cleaning and sanitation processes to ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety regulations, including monitoring cleaning schedules and verifying proper procedures.
• Conduct environmental swabbing in critical areas to ensure the absence of harmful pathogens or contaminants.
• Perform internal audits to evaluate hygiene practices and adherence to safety regulations, preparing audit reports and recommending corrective actions as necessary.
• Temperature Monitoring:
• Regularly monitor and document temperatures across various stages of the production process, including factory floor, raw material storage, and final product storage areas.
• Ensure transportation of goods is conducted at proper temperatures to prevent spoilage and maintain product quality throughout the distribution chain.
• Procedure Compliance:
• Monitor all factory procedures and workflows to ensure they meet internal quality standards and comply with legislative requirements such as HACCP, GMP, and food safety regulations.
• Stay updated with the latest food safety and industry regulations to ensure company procedures align with legal changes.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Testing & Inspection Expertise:
• Proficient in testing methodologies, including sensory, microbiological, and chemical analysis techniques, and in using tools like thermometers, pH meters, and laboratory equipment.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation:
• Strong analytical skills to interpret test results and trends, enabling informed decisions about product quality and production adjustments.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping:
• Excellent attention to detail in maintaining accurate records for compliance, including test results, corrective actions, hygiene monitoring logs, and temperature control data.
• Production Knowledge:
• Familiarity with production workflows, materials, and common challenges in food manufacturing, understanding how changes in variables can affect product quality.
• Communication and Teamwork:
• Strong communication skills to report findings and collaborate effectively with different departments, providing training and support to team members to foster a culture of quality and food safety.

Qualifications

• A third-level qualification in food science or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in a quality role within a production or manufacturing environment, preferably in the food industry.
• Availability to work a Monday to Saturday shift roster with flexible hours as needed.
• Access to own transport is required due to the location of the business.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a team committed to producing high-quality food products.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Engage in a dynamic work environment where your contributions make a real impact.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about quality assurance and meet the qualifications outlined above, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role to Rebecca.mcbride@flexistaff.ie