Quality Control Officer

POSITION SUMMARY
Spinneys, the UAE's leading premium food retailer, is seeking a proactive Quality Control Officer to join its Factory Operations team in Dubai. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that all products and processes consistently meet established food safety and quality standards. The successful candidate will inspect, test, and analyze products, identify non-conformances, and work closely with production teams to implement corrective actions.

ORGANIZATIONAL FIT
This person reports to the Quality Assurance Technologists (Factories).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Daily Site Inspection & Compliance Monitoring:
   Conduct daily inspections at the start of production to ensure the site is prepared for safe food manufacturing.
   Perform spot checks across departments to verify operational procedures and system-related records (weekly minimum).
   Approve work-in-progress and finished products based on defined specifications and recipes.
2. Food Safety & System Implementation:
   Support the Food Safety Team Leader (FSTL) to implement and maintain food safety systems, including HACCP and ISO 22000.
   Assist in closing non-compliances and conducting root cause analysis.
   Ensure that at any given time, a Person in Charge (PIC), certified First Aider, and Fire Fighter are on duty.
3. Microbiological & Hygiene Testing:
   Prepare and manage a schedule for ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) swab testing and ensure regular implementation.
   Conduct hygiene audits and help verify cleanliness of production and storage areas.
4. Surprise Audits & Cross-Departmental Checks:
   Conduct unannounced spot checks and audits across departments without prior intimation to heads of department.
   Verify compliance with food safety practices beyond their immediate area of responsibility.
5. Product and Process Approval:
   Approve finished goods for dispatch based on product specifications.
   Authorize processes or product batches during production stages that meet required standards.
6. Documentation & Reporting:
   Maintain inspection records, test results, non-conformance logs, and corrective action reports.
   Submit daily quality reports and support audit preparation (internal, third-party, or municipal).
7. Team Engagement & Support:
   Provide on-the-job guidance to production staff to promote awareness of hygiene and safety practices.
   Encourage a culture of quality and support corrective actions collaboratively.

AUTHORITIES:
Decide on appropriate corrective actions for operational procedures within scope.
Conduct surprise audits and cross-functional checks without prior notice.
Approve products for dispatch and work-in-progress items based on compliance with specs and recipes.
Override departmental hierarchies in the event of conflicts related to food safety or quality.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Microbiology, or related discipline.
Minimum 2 years of quality control experience in a food production or factory setting.
Hands-on knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and ISO 22000 food safety systems.
Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and documentation skills.
Effective communicator with the ability to take initiative and remain calm under pressure.
Familiarity with Dubai Municipality regulations and microbiological testing is an advantage.
Preferred certifications: HACCP Level 2/3, Basic Food Hygiene, Internal Auditor (ISO 22000).