Quality Assurance Lab Technician- Meat Plant

Summary:   

The Quality Assurance / Lab Technician is responsible for ensuring that CPJ’s products consistently meet agreed standards through consistent implementation and monitoring of required parameters, and effective food safety and quality management systems.  

1. Duties and Responsibilities:
   

• Assist the QA Manager in the development, implementation and maintenance of the company’s food safety and quality management systems (FSQMS), inclusive of the Prerequisite Programme and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in the food manufacturing, handling, storage and distribution facilities.  

• Assist in improving and driving corporate food safety culture. 

• Ensure that all food products processed conform to public safety regulations and standards established by local and foreign regulatory bodies e.g. Bureau of Standards, Jamaica, US FDA/ FSMA, United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others. 

• Inspect and record all pertinent information relevant to the receipt of all raw materials/ingredients. 

• Monitor food production facility temperature and calibrate equipment (e.g., thermometer, pH meter) 

• Ensure that all Meat Plant quality checks are undertaken and documented and, assist in resolving quality issues which may arise. 

• Review all product and product information to ensure accuracy in labeling and packaging. 

• Work closely with the Meat Plant Production team to ensure compliance with product specification and regulatory requirements. 

• Conduct sensory analysis on finished products. 

• Collect samples for external and/or internal microbiological analyses, sample retention and shelf-life assessment. 

• Conduct chemical tests (e.g. salinity, pH, fat analysis, residual chlorine) and microbiological testing, as required. 

• Assist in maintaining the microbiology laboratory facilities and equipment in good condition. 

• Support, maintain and conduct sanitation verification checks such as ATP and environmental monitoring programme to ensure acceptable food safety standards of the plant. Identify and investigate areas of concern and communicate information to all levels of staff.  Identify continuous improvement measures and work with the Quality Assurance and Production teams towards continuous improvement.
   

• Ensure proper documentation of all non-conformances to CPJ’s FSQMS and the subsequent corrective actions. 

• Ensure compliance to all established SOPs, food safety requirements, good manufacturing practices, and sanitation requirements in accordance with CPJ’s FSQMS. 

• Conduct GMP inspections, and where possible, assist with internal audits and supplier audits as per the company’s internal audit schedule. 

• Assist in overseeing the use and replenishment of sanitation supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE). 

• Actively participate in product research and development. 

 1.1 General Responsibilities: 

• To implement any activity, process or strategy that will improve the competitive advantage of the company, in consultation with the Food Safety, Quality and Sustainability Committee. 

• Ensuring the maintenance of the good name and reputation of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. in general through the demonstration and practice of the highest standards of ethical conduct. 

• To abide by the disciplinary code of the company. 

• Any other duties as may be assigned.
   

1. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
   

• Well organized and methodical approach to work and the work environment. 

• Capable of analytical/critical thinking 

• Must be computer proficient including use of Microsoft platform (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 

• Good decision making, planning and problem-solving skills 

• Must display initiative and ability to work independently 

• Should possess good written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with colleagues, staff and customers 

• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task 

• Ability to work flexible hours as the needs of the service dictate, including out of normal hours as required 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment whilst adhering to basic occupational health and safety guidelines 

• Ability to work within Company Policies
   

1. Education & Experience:
   

• At least a Bachelor of Science Degree in a Technical Discipline (Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, etc.) or equivalent qualifications 

• At least 2 years’ experience in a food processing industry in a similar capacity 

• A good knowledge of microorganisms in foods and ability to apply such knowledge towards food safety and quality of products. 

• Food safety (e.g. HACCP) and quality (e.g. ISO) certification are desirable 

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant Health and Safety Regulations 

• A current Food Handler’s Permit