Corporate Quality Assurance Manager , Mumias Sugar

Provide quality leadership through development and implementation of Quality Management Systems and plans to ensure the achievement of MSC quality goals; and champion quality improvement and compliance initiatives across the entire value chain to enable compliance of MSC products to company, sector, local and international quality related policies, requirements, standards and specifications.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and Implement an Annual Quality Improvement Plan for the company in order to:

1. Accelerate the improvement of Product, package and overall quality indicators targeting the aspirational goal of 100% Product Quality conformance.
2. Enforce the quality policies and standards in the company, distribution points, warehouses and Market place and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and adjusting it as needed.Develop quality policies/manuals, guidelines, standards and procedures to ensure quality of the raw materials and final products.

• Provide quality advisory services to the Top Management and all staff on the management of quality across the supply chain from the cane fields to the end use of products.
• Set stretch quality goals and a detailed plan for their achievement for the following areas as a minimum:

1. Agriculture operations with regard to harvesting, handling and transportation of the raw material for processing;
2. Factory operations and handling of the final products up-to the consumer point.

• Review suppliers, customers and consumers audit reports on quality and ensure all quality related issues reported are properly investigated, addressed through detailed corrective action plans and resolved in reasonable time and validate effectiveness of each corrective action plan.
• Liaise with the purchasing team to establish quality requirements from external suppliers.
• Contribute to a continuous and effective coordination process with all departments so that the efforts from different players converge to the ultimate quality objectives and plan as set out.
• Prioritize the implementation of the Quality Assurance Programs and Techniques in the entire organization, with special focus on cane development/production and manufacturing sites to ensure that the cycle of continuous improvement is built into the system.
• Create quality ownership at all levels of the company through setting up the necessary awareness programs and management routines.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of the quality assurance budget based on appropriate management and/or financial methodology
• Provide leadership for the quality function including supervising personnel and processes.
• Evaluate business technical risks across the value chain processes including suppliers, contractors and distribution channels and develop and implement required action plans to ensure full compliance to Company Policies and requirements to manage potential risks.
• Understand the communication needs of MSC staff and top management, and issue appropriately focused quality reports to provide senior management with the required information on the quality performances of our business.
• Provide input and support to product and package launches to ensure the quality of all new product/package launches.
• Closely work with the department heads and respective HR Business Partners/Capability Development Manager to identify training needs for both departmental Quality Improvement staff and the section staff and provide direction and support in order to achieve high standards and excellence in all areas. Prioritize the development areas based on the business need e.g. Quality improvement tools, GMPs, Consumer complaints, etc.

Job Requirements/Qualifications: (minimum required to perform the job)

• Degree in Industrial chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science and Technology, and/or Production Technology or related disciplines
• At least 5 years experience in quality control/assurance function in a similar environment
• Experience and knowledge of pertinent legislations, regulations, standards and policies pertaining to the best practices in quality management.
• Experience in business continuity planning, auditing, and risk management

Technical Skills

• Quality management: Complete in-depth grasp of best practices in quality operations which include quality control and assurance activities, policies, standards, legislations and regulatory practices and articulate them throughout the company.
• Organization and coordination skills: Ability to coordinate multiple activities, cutting across departments, sections and across the supply chain and all stakeholders to achieve 100% quality conformance.
• Mobilization skills: Ability to identify and mobilize resources for successful quality/quality assurance operations for the company.
• Strategic skills: Able to communicate and influence strategy; develop and communicate quality plans/programs in line with company strategy
• Research skills: Understands research processes including methodology and tools used in quality operations
• Project Management skills: Demonstrated skills that include strategic planning, cost management and execution, as well as the ability to multi-task among multiple projects against varied audiences. Possesses tactical skills to implement projects, ability to identify and act on opportunities
• Analytical skills: Analytical in approach with the ability to collate and analyze data from various sources and present the same in a structured manner
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate quality related concepts to a broad range of technical and non-technical audiences.

To apply for this position send your CV to jobs@mumias-sugar.com quoting the position in the subject line.

All applications should be received not later than 31st July, 2012.

Mumias Sugar Company Limited encourages teamwork and positive contribution from its employees and is an equal opportunity employer guided by local laws and International Labour Organization conventions.