Quality Coordinator & Food Technologist

Full Time

Job description

About the Job:POSITION: QUALITY COORDINATOR AND FOOD TECHNOLOGIST

Job Responsibilities:
Quality Assurance and Control:

Ensure compliance with internal and external quality standards, including the MPI Food Safety Program and Addiction Foods QA Manual.
Conduct and verify quality checks on raw materials, packaging, in-process, and finished products. Perform required in-house testing and record results accurately.
Lead quality monitoring on the production floor to identify, isolate, and resolve nonconformances in real time.
Review and maintain retention samples to monitor product condition and shelf stability.
Support NPD trials and validation runs by providing QA oversight and testing.
Collaborate cross-functionally to align quality objectives with production, procurement, and customer service.
Maintain a Quality Performance Dashboard with up-to-date quality metrics and trend analysis.
Recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for recurring issues and follow through until closure.

Documentation:

Develop, review, and update SOPs, work instructions, quality manuals, and related policies.
Maintain controlled documents in accordance with the document management system.
Ensure all QA documentation (e.g., HACCP plans, deviation reports, test records) are current, traceable, and compliant with MPI and company requirements.
Prepare QA reports and summaries for audits, reviews, and management meetings.
Create and maintain raw material and packaging receiving guides.

Audits, Investigations & Corrective Actions:

Coordinate preparation for external audits (e.g., MPI, customer, or third-party).
Support internal audit programs and assist in closing audit findings.
Conduct root cause analyses for non-conformances and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
Procurement audit results, maintain CAPA logs, and track progress to completion.
Conducts Root Cause analysis.

Training & Development:

Conduct induction and refresher Food Safety and Quality training for staff.
Support the QA Team Lead in upskilling team members on quality standards and regulatory updates.
Promote a strong culture of quality and continuous improvement across departments.

Incident & Complaint Management:

Assist in customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis, and documentation.
Work with production and relevant departments to ensure preventive actions are implemented effectively.
Continuous Improvement.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, research, and process optimization projects.
Lead small-scale quality or efficiency projects as assigned.
Contribute to the development of new quality standards, supplier accreditation protocols, and product testing methods.

Ad Hoc: Perform other tasks that may be assigned either individually or as part of a committee or team.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in food technology, Food Science, or related field.
Minimum of 2 years' experience in the food industry.
Strong background in quality control and regulatory compliance, both technical and application.
Thorough understanding of MPI Food Safety Program, HACCP standards, and AAFCO standards.
Hands-on experience with HACCP, GMP, and MPI standards.
Proficient in documentation control, data management, and internal auditing.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Detail-oriented with excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
Preferably lives in Tauranga or willing to relocate in Tauranga.