Quality Technologist

Ruka Consultants; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Quality Technologist to enhance operational quality and safety in their ingredient distribution business. This role offers a unique blend of on-site and remote work, focusing on compliance with industry standards and continuous improvement. You will play a crucial role in monitoring quality processes, conducting audits, and collaborating with various teams to ensure high-quality products. If you are passionate about quality assurance and thrive in a dynamic environment, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a leading global company.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in quality assurance or supplier quality roles in food industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and operational quality.

Responsibilities

• Monitor compliance with quality standards and regulations.
• Lead investigations into non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality assurance.

Skills

Operational Quality Processes

Food Safety Standards

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-Functional Communication

Problem-Solving

Supplier Quality Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or Related Field

Tools

BRC Standards

HACCP Guidelines

GMP Practices

Job description

Quality Technologist

Primary Manager: Quality Team Leader
Secondary Manager: Assistant Quality Manager
Department: Quality
Location: London

Prinova is a leading global source for high-quality ingredients for food & beverage, health & nutrition, animal nutrition, flavour & fragrance, and personal care industries worldwide. We are the largest provider of Vitamin C, B Vitamins and Amino Acids.

This role is based 2 days a week in our London office (St. Pauls) and 3 days a week from home, reporting to the Quality Team Leader.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The role is within our Operational Quality team pillar and plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the quality and safety of products and processes within our ingredients distribution business, which also undertakes processing activities and co-manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory and industry standards, supporting operational teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Quality Control
   1. Monitor and verify in-process controls for processing, rework and co-manufacturing activities to ensure adherence to specifications and quality standards.
   2. Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory and certification requirements (e.g. BRC, HACCP, GMP).
   3. Collaborate with suppliers of services to ensure quality standards are upheld throughout daily operations.
   4. Conduct product traceability and recall tests on random products based on Prinova system.
2. Non-Conformance & Issue Resolution
   1. Lead investigations into non-conformances (internal, supplier and customer-related) and ensure effective root cause analysis (RCA) is conducted.
   2. Drive corrective and preventative actions and verify their effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
   3. Support the handling and resolution of customer complaints, working cross-functionally to ensure timely responses.
3. Supplier & Co-Manufacturing Support
   1. Support the quality assessment and approval of suppliers of services (Warehouses, processors and contract manufacturers/packagers).
   2. Verify and authorise processing activities with 3rd party contractors.
   3. Arrange 3rd party laboratory analyses.
   4. Monitor the performance of suppliers and improvement initiatives as required.
   5. Ensure supplier declarations and compliance documents are up to date, including food safety.
4. Audit & Compliance
   1. Support site preparation for internal, customer and third-party audits (e.g. BRC, customer audits) and actively participate as required.
   2. Ensure documentation and records are maintained and readily available.
   3. Monitor operation compliance with relevant regulatory, food safety and customer-specific standards.
5. Continuous Improvement & Training
   1. Identify areas for improvement within operational quality processes and support the implementation of enhanced controls and efficiencies.
   2. Support process improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance product quality.
6. Cross-Functional Support
   1. Collaborate with Product Managers, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams to align on quality expectations and ensure a seamless supply of quality assured products.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Strong understanding of operational quality processes, food safety standards and industry best practices.
2. Ability to conduct effective root causes and manage CAPAs.
3. Collaborative approach to problem-solving and cross-functional communication.
4. Ability to work proactively, prioritize tasks and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
5. 3 years of experience in supplier quality, quality assurance or supply chain roles within food/feed ingredients or manufacturing industry.
6. Knowledge of industry standards and regulations including BRC, HACCP, GMP.
7. Experience conducting supplier audits and managing corrective action processes.