QHSE Operative
Recruit Finds
Nairobi, Kenya
Job summary
QHSE Operative At KERRY
About this role
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About the Role
Our client is seeking a Quality Assurance Laboratory Officer to oversee laboratory operations, quality assurance, and food safety activities within a food manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will ensure that raw materials, production processes, and finished products consistently comply with established quality standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety regulations, and applicable statutory requirements. The role also supports continuous improvement initiatives, audit activities, incident investigations, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reports To: QSHE Supervisor
Key Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with company policies, quality procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Support production teams by providing guidance on quality standards, food safety requirements, and operational procedures.
Conduct timely inspection, sampling, and analysis of incoming raw materials and packaging materials to verify compliance with quality specifications and maintain retention samples.
Monitor in-process production through routine quality checks and testing to ensure products consistently meet established standards.
Perform regular inspections of personnel and production facilities to verify compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness in accordance with established laboratory standards.
Coordinate the submission of samples for external laboratory analysis and maintain complete and accurate test records.
Ensure laboratory equipment and analytical instruments are properly cleaned, maintained, calibrated, and functioning effectively.
Participate in internal and external quality, food safety, and regulatory audits.
Monitor compliance with food handlers' medical certification requirements in accordance with local regulatory guidelines.
Assist in investigating product non-conformities, quality incidents, and customer complaints, and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
Manage product retention samples, inventory records, and laboratory databases.
Maintain accurate documentation relating to laboratory activities, raw materials, quality inspections, and finished products.
Promote safe laboratory and production practices by ensuring daily activities are conducted in accordance with occupational health and safety requirements.
Train employees on workplace safety procedures and monitor adherence to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards.
Report safety hazards, environmental incidents, spills, and other non-conformities promptly to the relevant supervisor.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement effective solutions for quality and operational challenges.
Assume supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the line manager when required.
Carry out additional duties assigned by management in support of departmental and organizational objectives.
Support environmental sustainability initiatives through proper waste management, pollution prevention, and efficient resource utilization.
Participate in EHS training, inspections, audits, and continuous improvement programs while ensuring full compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
Qualifications and Experience
Candidates should possess the following qualifications and competencies:
Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related food science discipline.
Experience in quality assurance, laboratory analysis, or food safety within a food manufacturing environment will be an added advantage.
Working knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems, HACCP principles, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
Experience participating in quality or food safety audits and implementing food safety certification standards is desirable.
Proficiency in computer applications and laboratory documentation systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and receptive to feedback and continuous improvement.
Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.
Flexible, resilient, and capable of adapting to organizational change.
Customer-focused with a strong commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence.