Assistant Manager Quality Assurance, Sustainability - Mombasa, Kenya - Finlays Kenya

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Finlays is a vertically integrated and geographically diversified agri-business that takes a leadership role in sustainability. The group has established itself as a reliable, responsible, innovative and sustainable producer with a deep knowledge and passion for its products. Sustainability is pivotal to the group's success and it lies at the heart of what Finlays does and stands for.

Finlays is Kenya's largest agricultural export group employing over 12,000 people and annually exporting over 130 million stems of flowers, 26 million kilos of black tea and 3 million kilos of tea extract. The organization is geographically located in Kericho and Mombasa and works with over 10,000 tea out growers.

Finlays is a subsidiary of the Swire Group which is a diversified conglomerate, headquartered in London. It controls a large range of wholly owned businesses, including deep-sea shipping, cold storage, road transport, and agricultural activities, along with energy and oil businesses and investments. Swire controls a large property empire in Asia - mainly Hong Kong.

JOB SUMMARY

Finlays is a leading independent business to business supplier of tea, coffee, and extracts solutions to beverage brand owners worldwide. The group has established itself as a reliable, responsible, innovative, and sustainable producer with a deep knowledge and passion for its products. Sustainability is pivotal to the group's success, and it lies at the heart of what Finlays does and stands for.Finlays is a subsidiary of the Swire Group, which is a diversified conglomerate, headquartered in London. It controls a large range of wholly owned businesses across nine countries selling into more than 80 countries worldwide. Our powerful global network gives us exceptional reach and comprises; Tea Processing Facilities, Trading and Sales Offices, Manufacturing / Extraction Sites, Blending Facilities, Packing Facilities, and Innovation Centres.We invite applications for the position of Assistant Manager Quality Assurance, Sustainability & Certifications at our Mombasa, Kenya operations.Finlays is an equal opportunity employer.The Job holderReporting to the Head of Operations, the role is a middle level management position. The Job holder is accountable to deliver the quality management and food safety systems, through the development and execution of quality strategy, in alignment with the Group Quality and Food Safety Program. The job assures best in class technical capability, through a robust program comprised of quality improvement, quality control, monitoring and measuring in support of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) programs, and Supplier Relations Management. Minimum requirementsA degree or diploma in a science-based field, with experience in Quality or Laboratory Management.Lead Auditor for HACCP, and exposure to TACCP and VACCP.Knowledge of World Class Manufacturing programs would be added advantage.3 years' experience in quality management systems and quality & food safety auditing with skills experienced in food safety leadership. Knowledge of microbiological monitoring and methods for relevant products. Awareness of food safety related legislations and its exposure or participation.Proficient in MS Office - using data analysis and statistical tools (such as Excel) to analyze data for trends and patterns. Experience in leading teams and people management with excellent communication skills and ability to set and lead strategyHOW TO APPLYIf you meet the requirement of the above position, please apply including a detailed CV, your postal, e-mail and telephone contacts, current & expected remuneration, names, and addresses of three referees to reach us not later than 8th May 2024

RESPONSIBILITIES

The development, implementation, execution, and improvement of quality systems, food safety, allergen management, food defence and fraud (authenticity), and aligned to a GFSI certification (or equivalent). Coordinate all internal management systems between the quality and functional teams on documentations and record keeping, non-conformance management, cost of non-conformance, customer complaints management, audit programs, incident management, and validation and verification programs. The regulatory and legal compliance program for all aspects of food manufacture and food safety, through the development and execution to the quality legal registers and the agrochemical and contaminants policy. The management of laboratory analysis, providing repeatable, reproducible, and reliable results that guide the business in decisions pertaining to production and final product quality. Coordinate and support implementation of certifications standards (Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic)Coordinate Resources Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) and other Sustainability initiatives.Proactively drive the sustainability agenda within the Company, including data collection to check compliance and ensuring accurate reporting.The implementation of group analytical and sensory methods where appropriate, and the adoption of validation and verification programs (reference control, calibration, ring testing and equipment maintenance).The use of monitoring and measuring programs, with visual management to drive process control support, and quality improvement.Data storage and record keeping for all laboratory generated information ensuring retrieval and traceability.Supporting the implementation of WCM and coordinating activities across the functional operations teams.Participating in commissioning of new products and processes, assuring quality and food safety, and regulatory compliance. Developing the site Quality and Food Safety culture in support of the Finlays value of "Trusted", driving our belief that Quality is at the core of all that we do.Engaging with external stakeholders and leaders in the field of quality and food safety, bringing in external ideas and driving broader exposure to industry leaders. Monitoring of supplier performance through the Supplier Relations Management systems

REQUIRED SKILLS

Project management, Reporting, Project monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Hygiene standards (food production), Quality control (food production), Leadership skills, Quality systems (ISO, CMMI, etc.), Quality control and supervision, Team leadership, Documentation and record keeping

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree