Role Summary
To serve as the hands-on quality authority for the plastics plant. This role enforces quality standards and regulatory compliance across all manufacturing processes to deliver defect-free, quality-assured components.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control & In-Process Inspection: Inspect incoming polymers, packaging, and raw materials. Monitor molding and extrusion lines (cycle times, temperatures, and tolerances). Quarantine non-conforming goods and conduct pre-loading inspections.
QMS & Regulatory Compliance: Maintain full compliance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22716 (GMP), KEBS, FDA, and ZABS. Manage the corrective and preventive action (CAPA) process and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Team Leadership: Supervise, schedule, and coach the shift QA inspectors. Conduct daily quality and safety briefings and identify training gaps.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Efficiency: Drive Lean, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives. Lead weight-reduction, optimization, and recycling projects to eliminate waste.
Vendor & Customer Management: Audit third-party manufacturing sites quarterly. Investigate customer complaints and trade returns within the same day to find root causes.
Key Performance Indicators
First Pass Rating: ≥ 98%
OTIFEF (On Time in Full Every Time): ≥ 97%
Cost Savings: ≥ KSH 5 million (via process engineering)
Customer Complaints: ≤ 0.001% of monthly production
Audit Compliance Score: ≥ 95% (internal and external)
CAPA Closure Rate: 100% within SLA
Third-Party Compliance: ≥ 95% on quarterly audits
Qualifications & Experience
At least bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Technology, or a related science field.
3 - 5 years of QA experience in plastics, FMCG, or manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
In-depth knowledge of injection molding/extrusion, ISO 9001:2015, GMP, ERP systems (Sage preferred), and Lean manufacturing (5S/Kaizen).
Practical understanding of KEBS, FDA, ZABS, and East African regulatory frameworks.
Key Behavioural Competencies
Attention to Detail: Zero-defect mindset on the factory floor.
People Leadership: Mentor staff and build a quality-first culture.
Problem Solving: Use data to find root causes and close CAPAs quickly.
Objectivity: Make unbiased quality decisions under production pressure.