Quality Control (QC Analyst)

Job Summary:
The Quality Control (QC) Analyst is responsible for ensuring that products meet the company’s quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements. This role involves performing various tests and inspections, analyzing product samples, documenting results, and providing recommendations for improvements. QC Analysts play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of products, minimizing defects, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
The QC Analyst also works closely with production teams to identify areas for process improvement, ensuring that any non-compliance or defects are quickly addressed.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Product Testing & Inspection
Conduct quality tests: Perform regular physical, chemical, and mechanical tests on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products to ensure they meet specified quality standards.
Sampling and analysis: Take samples from production batches, warehouses, and finished goods and analyze them using standard laboratory techniques.
Testing equipment maintenance: Ensure that all testing equipment (e.g., microscopes, balances, pH meters, etc.) is properly calibrated and maintained.

2. Documenting & Reporting Results
Record test results: Document test results in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Prepare reports: Generate detailed reports that summarize testing outcomes, identify trends, and make recommendations based on findings.
Non-compliance reporting: Flag any non-conformance or deviation from established standards, and ensure timely reporting to the QC Manager or relevant departments.
Analyze data: Review and analyze data trends to identify patterns that may indicate process issues, and provide insights into potential improvements.

3. Quality Control Procedures
Follow QC protocols: Adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality control procedures when testing and inspecting products.
Enforce quality standards: Ensure that products conform to both internal quality standards and external regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, GMP, etc.).
Review batch records: Inspect production batch records for accuracy and completeness to ensure proper documentation during production.
Review product specifications: Ensure that products meet all required specifications for packaging, labeling, and presentation.

4. Support Production & Process Improvement
Collaborate with production teams: Work closely with production teams to identify potential quality issues early in the manufacturing process.
Investigate quality issues: Investigate root causes of product defects or quality issues, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Conduct inspections: Monitor ongoing production processes to ensure products are continuously tested and inspected at critical points during production.

5. Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
Ensure regulatory compliance: Ensure products comply with all applicable local and international regulations, including safety standards, labeling laws, and environmental requirements.
Maintain audit readiness: Ensure that the company is always prepared for internal and external audits, by maintaining accurate and up-to-date quality control documentation.
Follow safety protocols: Comply with health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe working environment for all personnel.

6. Training & Development
Assist with training: Provide guidance and training to other employees or production teams on quality control standards and practices.
Stay updated: Keep up-to-date with industry standards, regulatory changes, and advancements in quality control techniques.

7. Inventory Control of QC Materials
Manage QC inventory: Monitor and maintain the stock of QC consumables, chemicals, and testing materials. Ensure that all testing materials and reagents are within their expiration dates.
Stock replenishment: Coordinate with the purchasing department to reorder testing equipment or materials when stock levels are low.

Qualifications:
Education:
Licensed Chemical Technician
Bachelor's Degree in Food Technology
Certifications in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001) or quality control is a plus.
Experience:
At least 1-2 years of experience in a Quality Control or Laboratory role, preferably in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food production, or related industries.
Experience working with quality control methodologies, laboratory testing, and data analysis is highly preferred.

Skills & Abilities:
Strong understanding of quality control processes, testing methods, and industry standards.
Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and testing instruments.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify product defects or inconsistencies.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Good communication skills, both verbal and written, to generate reports and communicate with teams.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and regulatory requirements (FDA, ISO, etc.) is an advantage.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform repetitive tasks, handle chemicals, and use testing equipment.
Ability to work in a lab or production environment, which may require standing for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 25 kilograms.