Quality Assurance Officer

Reports to: Production Manager

Purpose: Ensure that data results from the laboratory are accurate and quality assurance procedures are followed.

Specific Responsibilities and Duties

Quality Management Systems

• Develop, implement, and maintain the laboratory’s quality management system in alignment with ISO 15189 or other relevant standards.

Policy and Procedure Development

• Collaborate with lab technicians to establish, review, and revise laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Ensure all laboratory practices adhere to established quality standards.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Oversee the documentation and record-keeping process to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Conduct regular audits of laboratory documentation and records.

Internal Audits and Inspections

• Plan and conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans in response to audit findings.

Compliance and Accreditation

• Monitor and maintain compliance with relevant regulatory agencies and accreditation bodies.
• Prepare and coordinate laboratory accreditation and certification processes.

Training and Education

• Develop and deliver quality assurance training programs for laboratory staff, production staff, and other employees to enhance awareness and compliance with quality standards.

Risk Assessment and Management

• Conduct risk assessments and assist in developing risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues affecting laboratory operations and production.
• Address and document deviations and non-conformities as they arise.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Analyze data to monitor trends and recommend corrective actions.

Supplier and Vendor Quality Assessment

• Evaluate and maintain a list of approved suppliers and vendors, ensuring their adherence to quality standards.
• Collaborate with procurement to manage supplier relationships.

Communication and Reporting

• Provide regular reports and updates to laboratory management on quality assurance activities, issues, and achievements.
• Serve as a point of contact for external auditors and inspectors.

Other Duties

• Review and authorize lab results.
• Be accountable for lab services costs by raising invoices.
• Perform any other job as assigned by a superior that seems relevant.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Laboratory, or relevant equivalent education and experience.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of ISO 9000 quality management systems and ISO 15189 laboratory quality management systems.
• Ability to coordinate daily tasks around unplanned activities that become a priority.
• Well-developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate customer service and capacity to build relationships in the workplace.
• Auditing skills.

Experience

At least 5 years’ experience working as a Quality Assurance Officer.

Mode of Application

All applications should be sent to hr@choboinvestments.com or ralmas@choboinvestments.com.

Deadline

30th of May 2025.