DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Assurance Oversight

• Oversee daily quality control activities from harvest intake to final packing and dispatch of avocados.
• Ensure all processes are in strict compliance with internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements.

Inspection and Monitoring

• Conduct regular inspections of incoming raw materials (avocados), packaging materials, processing lines, and finished products.
• Monitor quality parameters such as fruit size, ripeness, skin defects, pest/disease presence, and contamination.

Implementation of Food Safety Systems

• Lead the implementation and maintenance of HACCP, ISO 22000, and Global GAP standards.
• Ensure all processes follow food safety protocols including hygiene, sanitation, and traceability.

Quality Audits

• Perform internal quality audits and assist in preparing for external audits by certification bodies, regulators, and clients.
• Identify non-conformities and coordinate corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs).

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of inspections, lab tests, rejections, complaints, and corrective actions.
• Generate and submit quality reports (daily, weekly, monthly) to management, highlighting trends and issues.

Process Improvement

• Work with cross-functional teams to identify areas for quality improvement in production processes.
• Participate in root cause analysis for product complaints and rejections and initiate quality-enhancing strategies.

Team Leadership and Training

• Supervise and mentor junior quality inspectors and sorters to ensure adherence to standards.
• Conduct training sessions on hygiene, quality protocols, and product handling for all production staff.

Client and Export Compliance

• Ensure that product specifications meet client requirements.
• Liaise with marketing and logistics teams to ensure proper handling, packaging, and labelling per market standards.

KEY REQUIREMENT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

• Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years' proven experience in quality control, preferably within an avocado processing or export company
• Strong understanding and application of ISO standards, HACCP, and other relevant food safety management systems
• Experience with quality control documentation, traceability systems, and lab testing (microbiological and/or chemical) is an added advantage
• Knowledge of international quality standards and export requirements is preferred