QA Supervisor – Plastics

Quality Assurance Manager – Plastics Manufacturing

Role Summary

Serve as the hands-on quality authority for the plastics plant. This role enforces quality standards and regulatory compliance across all manufacturing processes to deliver defect‑free, quality‑assured components.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Control & In‑Process Inspection

• Inspect incoming polymers, packaging, and raw materials.
• Monitor molding and extrusion lines (cycle times, temperatures, and tolerances).
• Quarantine non‑conforming goods and conduct pre‑loading inspections.

QMS & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22716 (GMP), KEBS, FDA, and ZABS.
• Manage the corrective and preventive action (CAPA) process.
• Update standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Team Leadership

• Supervise, schedule, and coach shift QA inspectors.
• Conduct daily quality and safety briefings.
• Identify training gaps and develop team skills.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Efficiency

• Drive Lean, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives.
• Lead weight‑reduction, optimization, and recycling projects to eliminate waste.

Vendor & Customer Management

• Audit third‑party manufacturing sites quarterly.
• Investigate customer complaints and trade returns within the same day to find root causes.

Key Performance Indicators

• First Pass Rating: ≥ 98%
• OTIFEF (On Time in Full Every Time): ≥ 97%
• Cost Savings: ≥ KSH 5 million (via process engineering)
• Customer Complaints: ≤ 0.001% of monthly production
• Audit Compliance Score: ≥ 95% (internal and external)
• CAPA Closure Rate: 100% within SLA
• Third‑Party Compliance: ≥ 95% on quarterly audits

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Technology, or a related science field.
• 3–5 years of QA experience in plastics, FMCG, or manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
• In‑depth knowledge of injection molding/extrusion, ISO 9001:2015, GMP, ERP systems (Sage preferred), and Lean manufacturing (5S/Kaizen).
• Practical understanding of KEBS, FDA, ZABS, and East African regulatory frameworks.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Zero‑defect mindset on the factory floor.
• People Leadership: Mentor staff and build a quality‑first culture.
• Problem Solving: Use data to find root causes and close CAPAs quickly.
• Objectivity: Make unbiased quality decisions under production pressure.