Key Responsibilities
1. Quality Assurance Execution
- Develop, implement, and enforce quality assurance policies, procedures, and systems to ensure consistent product quality.
- Validate that all raw materials, in-process blends, and finished products meet or exceed industry standards and company specifications.
- Work proactively with production and QC teams to identify, address, and resolve quality concerns.
- Conduct batch sampling, analyse results, and verify process adherence to quality standards.
- Monitor blending processes and ensure strict compliance with established guidelines.
2. Product Testing, Inspection, and Process Validation
- Conduct laboratory testing on raw materials, in-process blends, and finished lubricants to confirm compliance with required specifications (e.g., viscosity, density, flash point, pour point).
- Perform routine sampling and inspections of production processes to maintain strict quality control protocols.
- Validate blending, filling, and packaging processes to ensure conformity with company and industry standards.
- Oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment to guarantee testing accuracy.
3. Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
- Ensure full compliance with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001) and industry regulations.
- Maintain and update documentation required for regulatory compliance and audit processes.
- Stay informed on safety, environmental, and quality regulations applicable to the lubricants industry and ensure strict adherence.
4. Issue Resolution and Root Cause Analysis
- Investigate and analyse customer complaints and product defects, identifying root causes and corrective actions.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA) to resolve quality issues.
- Collaborate with production teams to eliminate non-conformities and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
5. Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of quality control tests, calibration logs, and production reports.
- Update and manage the quality manual and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Generate and present detailed quality performance reports to management.
- Maintain comprehensive quality records, including test results, inspection logs, and Certificates of Analysis (Coas).
- Ensure all data in the quality control database is recorded accurately and promptly.
6. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
- Identify and implement quality improvement initiatives to optimize production processes and minimize waste.
- Maintain the quality management system (QMS) for greater efficiency and compliance.
- Stay current with advancements in testing techniques and industry best practices.
- Monitor and refine blending and filling processes to maximize product consistency and quality.
- Support continuous improvement programs such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.
7. Training and Technical Support
- Provide technical guidance and training to production and maintenance teams on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.
- Foster a culture of quality awareness and compliance across the organization.
Educational Qualification
- bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- Certifications such as ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or equivalent are preferred.
Experience Requirement
- 2 years to 4 years of experience in quality assurance/control, preferably within the lubricants, oil blending, or petrochemical industries.
- Familiarity with industry standards such as API (American Petroleum Institute) and ASTM testing methods is highly desirable.
Work Environment
- Primarily based office and plant setting, with occasional outdoor work for sampling and inspection.
- Involving handling hazardous materials; strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Batch Compliance Rate: Percentage of batches meeting specifications without rework.
- Non-Conformance Reduction: Decrease in quality-related incidents.
- Resolution Time: Speed of resolving customer complaints and product defects.
- Regulatory Compliance: Successful audit results and adherence to standards.
- Process Efficiency: Reduction in material waste and production inconsistencies.