Quality Assurance Technician

Description : Job Title: Quality Assurance Technician Reports To: Quality Manager Location: Isipingo Context/Scope: Diageo South Africa is part of a dual listed (London and New York) global organisation. Its main offices are in Johannesburg with a supply site in Durban. It operates within a complex and competitive local environment with multiple customer segments and routes to market and a volatile macro-economic and social context. The SA alcohol market is highly fragmented, with a complex route to market, a combination of direct delivery and services through specialised distributors, wholesalers & bulk breakers. We estimate there to be more than 100k active points of sale, the vast majority of which are taverns, located in townships (although, a high percentage will not be licensed), with little central buying / distribution. Our extensive portfolio of spirits brands services consumers across this diverse nation and we continuously seek to deliver high performance leveraging our understanding of the fast-changing market trends and consumer insights. Purpose of Role This role involves facilitation and interaction with staff from Production, Blending, Engineering, CI, Training, and Warehouse departments. Accountabilities The role has no direct reports but would be expected to interact and influence several people in other departments. The role requires skills to engage with different stakeholders in the business. Carry out sampling & testing of dry goods/Tanker or pre-shipment/ raw materials, water (pre- & post process), in-process product & final product as per Quality Plan, in accordance with company and other requirements to ensure compliance with quality requirements & food safety. Interpretation of results, troubleshooting and addressing of non-conformance. Supporting other departments by providing a timely and accurate service to ensure product quality and process efficiency in all areas. Proactive communication with immediate team, process teams, to ensure process quality and efficiency are achieved. Capturing, Maintaining & Control of Records and Documentation as per the Quality Management System. Conduct verification and validation activities such as CCP, OPRPs and CIP. Ensure the reliability and accuracy of results & records and ensure retention samples are kept as per procedure and information of the product is legible. Conduct and report on Compliance Audits in respect of GHPs, GMPs, GRMS, PRPs and 5S as per schedule. Basic maintenance of lab equipment, calibration Control of Reference Standards, Specifications used for verification/ calibration and cleaning of equipment. Maintaining relevant Lab Housekeeping Standards & Retention sample & room/GLP's in the lab. Completion Quality Performance (KPI) reports and Monthly Quality Report  Enforcing quality and change procedures and standards for all incoming goods, WIP and outgoing finished goods. Troubleshooting, root-cause analysis and support on corrective/preventative action measures. Ensure compliance to company equity sampling, testing and shipment of samples. Communication of Quality/Food Safety performance & conformance status in operational meetings. Analysis & feedback to operations teams and management on customer complaints. Sample product & liaise with Department of Agriculture for verification activities. Analysis of samples submitted by Brand Assurance and/or appointed service providers and timeous feedback. Manage Laboratory Stock and liaise with suppliers. To ensure CODEX requirements are met throughout the process and update the report. Alert Quality Manager & Team Leader of potential quality risks and out-of-line situations. Set up samples for sensory analysis and assessing sensory results statistically for approval/rejection. To ensure that PPMD verification are conducted as per Global Quality Standard. To actively be involved in MMS site projects and CI initiatives. Comply with and improve the Quality Management System and Food Safety initiatives within the area of responsibility. Stock management on SAP using Quality transaction. Qualifications: Diploma or Degree in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Chemistry any other Science related field Experience: Quality Assurance in an FMCG Environment. At least 3-5 years laboratory experience Computer skills (Microsoft Office & SAP) Mathematical skills - statistics & arithmetic GMP Implementation HACCP Plan applications Control of non-conforming product Worker Type : Regular Primary Location: Isipingo Additional Locations : Job Posting Start Date : 2024-06-13