QC Technician

Overview of the Role

• To carry out all practical work relating to Quality Control.

• To carry out testing of ingredients and finished products sampled by, or submitted to Quality Control, making optimum use of materials and equipment so as to carry out work efficiently, accurately and safely.

• To carry out and organise organoleptic testing of ingredients and finished flavours sampled by or submitted to Quality Control.

• To release ingredients and finished products once compliance with all quality and food safety criteria has been confirmed.

Objectives, Roles and Responsibilities

• Efficiently plan and manage own workload to ensure tasks are completed promptly, in line with priorities set by the Quality Supervisor.

• Ensure availability of all necessary resources including equipment, glassware, chemicals, and test methods, while maintaining appropriate stock levels.

• Conduct quality tests on raw materials and finished products in strict accordance with established Quality Control procedures.

• Verify all analytical results against relevant specifications to ensure compliance.

• Organize and execute routine sensory evaluations (e.g., taste/ odour panels, triangle tests), including sample preparation, result recording, and distribution.

• Re-sample and retest any materials or products that fall outside specification to confirm accuracy of results

• Communicate any non-conforming results to relevant stakeholders, along with recommended corrective actions.

• Accurately record all test results, observations, and comments, ensuring data is stored in a well-organized and accessible format.

• Release raw materials and finished products in the ERP system in a timely manner.

• Collaborate with the Analytical team to coordinate GCMS testing requirements.

• Verify that each delivery is accompanied by the correct documentation and follow up with suppliers for any missing paperwork.

• Complete the retest program as directed by the Quality Supervisor, maintaining records of progress and appropriately relabelling or rejecting stock.

• Schedule and book microbiological samples for timely collection.

• Ensure samples requiring external laboratory testing are booked and dispatched promptly and manage internal expectations regarding result timelines and product release.

• Conduct internal factory audits as per the schedule provided by the Quality System Manager.

• Complete environmental monitoring activities in line with the Quality Management System requirements.

• Support ATP positive release, Allergen validation and Verification programme.

• File all paperwork and samples promptly and accurately.

• Support the investigation of non-conformances under the guidance of the Quality Supervisor/ Deputy.

• Develop a working knowledge of materials, processes, products, and testing procedures to understand the purpose and impact of assigned tasks.

• Use operational familiarity to suggest improvements in equipment, processes, techniques, or evaluation methods.

• Adhere to all safety protocols and company policies to ensure safe working practices.

• Perform calibration/ verification tasks as assigned by the Quality Supervisor.

• Participate in quality-related projects as directed by the Quality Supervisor or Head of Quality & Regulatory.

General

• Ensure equipment is cleaned and stored tidily and maintaining a high standard of housekeeping.

• Deal with and report malfunctions of equipment and arrange appropriate action.

• Carry out other analysis or testing as required.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skill and Experience (Required to perform the job)

Essential

· Understanding of the role of Quality in the food Industry

· Good attention to detail and accuracy

· Team working and communication skills

Desirable

· Previous experience of working in the food industry.

· Knowledge / experience of using internal IT / LIMS databases systems

· Knowledge of food industry, particularly in a quality role. Full training will be provided.

Competencies

Action Oriented - Enjoys working hard; is action orientated and full of energy for the things he/she sees as challenging; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning; seizes more opportunities than others

Command Skills - Relishes leading; takes unpopular stands if necessary; encourages direct and tough debate but isn't afraid too end it and move in; is looked to for direction in a crisis; faces adversity head on; energized by tough challenges.

Priority Setting - Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important; quickly zeros in on the critical few and puts the trivial many aside; can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal; eliminates roadblocks; creates focus

Timely Decision Making - Makes decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure; able to make a quick decision

Time Management - Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done in less time than others; can attend to a broader range of activities.