Senior Quality Controller

Job Purpose

• The Quality Controller is responsible for ensuring the highest quality and consistency of all coffee products by implementing and managing rigorous quality control processes. This role demands a proactive approach to maintaining product excellence through systematic oversight of each production stage.
• This position requires close collaboration with multiple departments, including procurement, production, export, logistics, and trade, to uphold and continuously improve quality standards that meet both company benchmarks and precise client specifications. The Quality Controller serves as a key liaison between these teams to ensure alignment on quality objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Bulking

• Actively participate in bulking operations for various coffee grades as directed by the Export Manager, ensuring accuracy in blending and consistency across batches.
• Issue detailed bulking reports after each session, documenting grade specifications, batch quantities, and any observations regarding quality deviations for management review.

Control of Sampling and Offloading Activities

• Oversee and verify the accuracy and integrity of sampling procedures conducted during offloading operations by quality personnel, ensuring strict adherence to established protocols.
• Conduct regular spot checks and audits of sampling activities, reporting any discrepancies, procedural breaches, or irregularities to management immediately to maintain operational integrity.

Control of Production Activities

• Monitor and supervise quality personnel during their shifts across all production stages, ensuring that reports are accurate and that output consistently meets the quality standards defined by management.
• Ensure that critical checking parameters are rigorously applied, including moisture checks, processing parameters for production, and analysis methodology, to prevent deviations from specifications.
• Collect and analyze key data to track quality trends in production, identifying non-compliances or non-conformities at the earliest possible stage and escalating these issues to management promptly.

Export Sampling

• Coordinate closely with external inspectors to facilitate smooth and efficient export operations, ensuring that sampling and documentation meet regulatory and client requirements.
• Obtain and retain reference samples of all export coffees at the point of loading, maintaining a comprehensive archive for traceability and quality verification purposes.
• Ensure that allocated staff, including third-party personnel, adhere strictly to export sampling procedures, providing guidance and oversight to guarantee consistency.

Cup Tasting and Evaluation

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive flavor profile library for all coffee products, cataloging sensory attributes and quality characteristics to support consistent evaluation.
• Train staff on sensory evaluation techniques, including cupping protocols, flavor identification, and defect recognition, to build internal expertise and standardize assessment practices.

Unit Operations

• Participate in regional coffee operations and professional quality requirements, which may involve travel to different production units as needed to provide oversight and ensure uniform quality standards across all locations.

Night Shift Operations

• Demonstrate flexibility to work night shifts as scheduled by the supervisor, maintaining the same level of attention to detail and quality control rigor during off-peak hours.

Stock Control

• Ensure that all purchased stock and export stock across all warehouses meets the quality standards set by the company, conducting periodic inspections to verify compliance and identify potential issues.

Other

• Perform any other reasonable duties as assigned by supervisors that are consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the quality control function.

Qualifications

• A degree in Food Processing, Agriculture, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• UCDA certification or license in Basic Quality Control is considered an added advantage and will distinguish candidates.
• Minimum of four years of progressive experience in the coffee sector, with a focus on quality control or production oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, enabling the identification of root causes and effective resolution of quality issues.
• Keen attention to detail, with a meticulous approach to documentation, sampling, and process verification.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, fostering cooperation across departments to achieve shared quality goals.
• Physical ability to stand or walk for extended periods, as required for active supervision and inspection tasks.