QA/QC Specialist (Food Industry)

Hedayat Rahimi Trading and Logistics LTD (HRTL) was established in 2011 and is officially registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan under business license No. 19066. Based in Kabul, Afghanistan, HRTL is a leading company specializing in trading, supply chain management, logistics support, transportation, and various services.

We boast a significant local client base, encompassing governmental and international organizations, as well as local companies. Furthermore, we are a registered and active United Nations contractor.

With a decade of experience, HRTL has been providing comprehensive logistics support and services to both local and international organizations throughout Afghanistan. Our diverse and extensive services have positioned us as a preferred choice for numerous clients in the region and nationally. As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in consistently delivering high-quality services. This professional approach has been instrumental in our sustained growth.

Our success is attributed to a progressive and responsible approach, consistently seeking improved ways to achieve excellent results with greater efficiency. Committed to excellence, we have a proven track record of successful project deliveries. Recognizing that understanding our clients' core values and aspirations is essential to our success, we adhere to the highest standards of health and safety and quality.

At HRTL, we are dedicated to fulfilling our responsibilities to the communities and environments in which we operate. Our corporate stability, the quality and expertise of our staff, collaborative approach to business, and proficiency in providing cost-effective practical solutions underpin our success.

Adhering to the highest ethical, legal, and financial standards, we continually review and ensure operations that are considerate of the local environment while remaining respectful of human rights, local culture, customs, and traditions.

Background

Hedayat Rahimi Trading Logistics LTD is seeking a qualified Quality Assurance and Quality Control Specialist for the Food Industry. The selected candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of our food products through the development and implementation of robust testing procedures, adherence to regulatory standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

The QA/QC Specialist (Food Industry) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct thorough analyses to identify potential causes of product defects and lapses in quality, employing a comprehensive approach to root cause analysis.
• Investigate and address deviations in processes that contribute to product defects and quality lapses, ensuring corrective actions are implemented to prevent reoccurrence.
• Develop robust inspection and testing protocols for materials, products, and packaging, focusing on precision and accuracy to maintain high-quality standards.
• Innovate and create advanced methods for testing the quality of materials, products, and packaging, ensuring a thorough evaluation that aligns with industry best practices.
• Generate detailed product and process quality metric reports, utilizing data-driven insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Devise and implement strategic sampling plans for quality control purposes, ensuring representative samples are collected for accurate assessments.
• Establish and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) that not only align with regulatory requirements, industry guidelines, and company policies but also reflect cutting-edge practices in quality assurance.
• Set and enforce SOPs and conditions for the handling, storage, and preservation of samples, optimizing procedures for efficiency and maintaining the integrity of collected samples.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of plans and strategies to guarantee the distribution of safe food products.
• Conduct thorough inspections of facilities, equipment, and products to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
• Investigate technical faults and practices impacting warehouse operations, implementing solutions to enhance efficiency and eliminate potential quality issues.
• Lead traceability investigations to pinpoint the origins of quality lapses and other product-related issues, providing crucial insights for corrective actions.
• Take the lead in quality and food safety-related audits, ensuring comprehensive assessments and adherence to established standards.
• Play an integral role in quality management system reviews, contributing expertise to enhance overall system effectiveness.
• Oversee the implementation of corrective and preventative actions (CAPA), collaborating with other departments to address identified issues promptly.
• Act as a champion for the promotion of quality and food safety policies, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement among all personnel.
• Review reports critically and develop comprehensive guidelines for data documentation and analysis, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Verify the alignment of sampling documentation, testing activities, and procedures with established protocols to identify and rectify any discrepancies.
• Scrutinize quality control (QC) records, test results, and reports to ensure compliance with regulatory authorities and standards.
• Proactively identify food safety and quality-related issues, proposing and implementing effective preventive and corrective actions for ongoing quality enhancement.
• Showcase in-depth familiarity with production and processing level analysis, as well as international food safety and quality standards such as HACCP, GMP, ISO, and Global GAP.
• Develop and implement guidelines for optimal storage conditions, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation, to ensure the preservation of food quality and safety.
• Design efficient inventory management systems to track and control the movement of food commodities, minimizing the risk of spoilage, wastage, or expired products.
• Establish quality assurance protocols for incoming and outgoing food shipments, including thorough inspections and testing procedures to verify compliance with safety standards.
• Explore and integrate advanced technologies, tracking and monitoring systems, to enhance the traceability and real-time monitoring of food commodities throughout the storage and transportation process.
• Develop and enforce procedures to ensure compliance with local and international regulations regarding food storage and transportation, including adherence to health and safety standards.
• Tailor storage solutions to different types of food commodities, considering factors such as perishability, sensitivity to environmental conditions, and specific storage requirements.
• Develop efficient transportation logistics, including route planning, vehicle selection, and packaging considerations, to maintain the integrity of food products during transit.
• Implement and manage a robust cold chain infrastructure to safeguard the quality and safety of perishable goods, especially those requiring controlled temperature conditions.
• Establish training programs for warehouse and transportation personnel to ensure they are well-versed in food safety practices, proper handling procedures, and emergency response protocols.
• Integrate sustainable practices into food storage and transportation operations, such as energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly packaging, and waste reduction strategies.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement standardized packaging and labeling practices that facilitate efficient handling and tracking throughout the supply chain.
• Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to address unforeseen events that could impact food storage and transportation, such as natural disasters or supply chain disruptions.
• Establish a system for continuous improvement, including regular audits, feedback mechanisms, and performance evaluations, to identify areas for optimization and enhancement in the food storage and transportation processes.

Reporting

The QA/QC Specialist (Food Industry) will report directly to the General Manager.

Duration

This position is a Full-time role with an initial contract duration of 1 year, renewable based on performance and company needs.

Master’s or Bachelor's in Food Science and Technology, Food Chemistry or Equivalent Degree

Familiarity with production/processing level analysis, international food safety, and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, ISO, Global GAP).

Ability to work under pressure, collaborate within a team, and work for extended hours when required.

Strong oral and written communication in English, Pashto, and Dari.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite Software.

Interested candidates should submit their applications, including a cover letter and resume, to maryam.yousofzai@hedayat.ltd by 10 December 2023 before 4:00 PM AFT. Please ensure to include the Vacancy Reference No. HRTL/VAC/KBL/0089 in the email subject. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the written test and interview.

HRTL is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.