QA Technical Assistant

The Company: Irish Country Meats is the specialist sheep meat division of ABP Foods Group with operational locations in Camolin, Co. Wexford, Navan, Co. Meath and Liege, Belgium. The Group has established market positions in Ireland, U.K. and mainland Europe, servicing retail, foodservice, wholesale and manufacturing customers within our market range. A talented and committed workforce at Irish Country Meats is crucial to our ongoing success. In all areas of our business, we seek to employ people who are passionate about their area of expertise and who seek to deliver the highest standards.

The Role: Irish Country Meats are seeking to appoint a Quality Assurance/Technical Assistant based in Navan, Co. Meath. The successful candidate will report to the Quality Manager and directly interface with Supervisors, Area Managers, Maintenance and the Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities will include: Responsible for monitoring product, processes, food safety and quality throughout the entire manufacturing process.

Carry out product inspections on all incoming product and ensure all produce meets the required specification for weight, temperature, etc.

Communicate product quality with suppliers and site management

Ensures employees are following all Food Safety and Hygiene SOPs

Monitoring and reporting of quality standards to site management

Liaise with production and planning with regards to customer requirements

Control of non-conforming product, including placing on hold, agreement of percentage rejection, review and release as appropriate

Responsible for performing pre-op cleaning verification and inspection.

Educating employees on food safety standards and ensuring best practice

Responsible for the correct recording, reporting and filing of all relevant record logs and documentation.

Collect product samples for Product Development, lab retains and customer samples when directed.

Manage queries or complaints from customers

Deal with non-conformances (internal and external) and drive root cause analysis to put sustainable corrective actions.

Recognise and implement opportunities for Quality improvement in both manufacturing and business processes, in the Continuous Improvement ethos.

Meet with customers and represent the companies technical expertise when needed

Key Performance Indicators: Achieve and maintain Complaint targets in conjunction with production team.

Maintaining & improving all external & customer accreditations.

Drive for Zero Audit Non Conformances from floor/production practices

Drive the GMP audit process on site to improve site standards

Structural Audits & maintenance compliance

Traceability compliance throughout the entire process.

As this is a quality / food safety role the needs of the business will change and as such the scope of role will not be limited to the above.

The Candidate: Third level degree in a Food Science /Ag Science related subject

HACCP certification is an advantage

Hands-on approach to developing solutions

Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

Highly Energetic

Confidentiality; Observes strict compliance protecting confidential, sensitive information and materials.

Personally Credible

Confident and Decisive

Results orientated, drive for perfection

Impeccable Attendance & Punctuality

Salary: The remuneration package on offer will reflect the importance of the role and the experience of the successful candidate.

If you are interested in a career with a progressive, innovative Irish food company and if you feel that you have the experience and competencies consistent with the demands of this position please forward your CV and a cover note.