WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE:

This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.

The Quality Manager role is to ensure that all products supplied to Ornua Cooperative Ltd comply with agreed quality and safety parameters, are legally compliant and meet customer requirements.

The role involves working closely with core suppliers / packers and in conjunction with the Technical Team to check, sample, inspect and analyse assigned product purchases to ensure all product is supplied with all relevant quality data and within specification. The post holder will also be responsible for identifying product to match customer requirements and to ensure that all stock records are accurate and relevant to market specifications (as required).

The Quality Manager (QM) will be familiar with all aspects of Ornua systems, such as stock management and results entry within the ERP system (M3), management of current manufacturer and customer specifications on the Ornua Quality Management System (Foods Connected) and management and resolution of non-conformance issues.

The role will be responsible for managing key processes on data management within the ERP M3 system and across the Quality Management Team.

The QM will be expected to drive root cause analysis for issues and to continue to work with all Suppliers to implement corrective and preventative action including undertaking thorough risk assessments of situation / product as they occur to minimize risk to Ornua at all times.

The QM will be required to drive and participate in continuous improvement projects as required and with a particular focus on data management.

The role requires the QM to keep themselves abreast of any changes to legislation, as relevant, to ensure all Ornua’s products and service providers meet legislative requirements.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• To work closely with, develop and maintain good relationships with Ornua suppliers, warehouses and 3rd party packers to ensure all product procured by Ornua Co-op is at all times produced in a safe manner and meets the standards laid down by legislation, due diligence, market and customer requirements.
• To apply quality and in particular sensory evaluation skills, to inspect and categorise correctly products purchased by Ornua as required.

• To monitor closely Ornua stocks to ensure maximum quantity of stock is saleable at all times.  To identify product for specific customers in line with their requirements and also re-classify or upgrade the quality of product to increase value where possible.

• To drive resolution of customer issues and complaints when they arise, including undertaking visits to manufacturers/stores/packers/customers as necessary and ensuring timely resolution of issues. 

• To drive adherence to complaints  / concession processes and  oversight of complaints through:
  • Management of training sessions and associated documentation (as required)
  • Monitoring and following through with cross functional teams on open NCs
  • Regular reporting and trending of issues
  • Chair cross functional working groups to root cause issues and implement preventative actions.

• To manage core Technical data and processes on the ERP system and be the driver of process & system improvement & learning within the team through:
  • Development & review of process flows and SOPS for key Technical activities.
  • Manage and co-ordinate core ERP system processes such as Item code / Supplier / Customer set up.
  • Review and manage system data and identify issues through assessment of issues on Results portal / QMS system reports.
  • To identify improvements and manage these to implementation.

• To review specifications as required and support projects in conjunction with cross functional teams (as required).

• To participate in the management of the QMS/ BRC requirements and contribute to the HACCP team.

• To participate in the management FSMA/FSVP as a PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual).

• To have a good working knowledge of legislation relevant to the manufacture, storage and handling of Ornua product categories, including monitoring of any changes to this legislation during audits to ensure that all Ornua products meet legislative and legal requirements.

• To at all times represent the company to the highest level in all interactions with our members, suppliers and customers.
• To perform any other appropriate duties from time to time.

• To support the Technical Team and Manager as required.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• 3 years’ plus Technical/Quality Assurance experience, ideally dairy based, however other food or beverage experience may be considered.
• A third level qualification in a technical / food science discipline.

• Strength of knowledge in the following areas would be a distinct advantage:
  • Food Safety HACCP
  • Microbiology
• Strong business results focus with a keen eye for detail.
• Have the drive to achieve results in a friendly manner but at the same time maintain quality and standards.
• A detailed approach towards task completion with decisive and timely decision making necessary.
• Problem solver, disciplined in collecting information, ascertaining root cause of issues and identifying and developing practical solutions.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organisational and administrative skills.
• Pro-active and possesses a "can do" mentality.
• Flexible and committed attitude with the ability to display initiative.
• IT literate with ERP, QMS systems, Word, Excel and database skills.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside office hours.
• Ability to work to deadlines and work under pressure.