Quality Coordinator

Quality Assurance & Control (Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics)
New Zealand is renowned across the globe as one of the purest and natural places on Earth – It's clean, green and simply beautiful, and King Country is possibly the jewel in that crown. A fertile and naturally abundant land of rolling hills, ambling rivers and lush vegetation, perfect for cultivation of quality crops and livestock. Almost a quarter of the local community is directly involved in Agriculture of some kind, including significant free-range Sheep and Beef farms.
King Country Pet Food is based near Taumarunui at the centre of this historic region, set near the banks of the beautiful Whanganui river. Our core values include having a strong, respectful connection to the local community, and we take pride in calling King Country our home.
As a new start-up enterprise, and addition to New Zealand's pet foods' growing popularity amongst pet lovers the world over, we have a state-of-the-art plant and facilities, sourcing the finest ingredients to produce products to rival the best in the world.
The Role
Reporting to a newly appointed Quality Assurance Manager, we are seeking an experienced Quality Coordinator preferably with Pet or Meat sector food manufacturing experience to join our busy team at King Country Pet Food.
In this role you will be responsible for the coordination and monitoring of the day-to-day Quality Control activities that are performed within the plant, ensuring calibration of Quality Control testing equipment (e.g. Production Benchtop and Inline NIR's, Moisture on Aqualab 3 etc), and supervising our team of Quality Controllers.
Working alongside our Compliance, R&D Technical professionals, and supporting our wider operations team within the production facility, this role will ensure that product is produced and delivered to the highest safety, quality, regulatory and customer standards, whilst striving to achieve industry best practice.
The ideal candidate will be someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, where initiative and good communication skills are essential. Possessing the ability to communicate technical information in simple terms to both external customers and internal personnel from a wide array of backgrounds and skillsets will be highly valued.
You will be self-starter who is comfortable in an environment with shifting requirements, and able to pivot and prioritise work to ensure production down time is limited.
We are offering a full-time position, working a 40hr working week, with some occasional overtime and flexibility required around shift rostering in the future.
Key Job / Role Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and maintain quality control SOP's and procedures.
Detailed daily, weekly, and monthly planning Quality Controller activities for Kibble Extrusion, Treat Extrusion and Trial Kibble Extrusion processes, including but not limited to:
Pre-operational Hygiene Inspections and amenities/food support/administration area inspections
In-process sampling and in-house testing
Unpacked Finished product sampling for in-house and external laboratory testing
Packed Finished product sampling for in-house and external laboratory testing
Packed Product Specification, Packaging and Labelling Inspections Checks
Traceability Checks
Checking all Quality Control Documentation, monitoring all corrective/preventative actions and rechecks are undertaken correctly daily, and reporting exceptions.
Initiating corrective actions if issues arise.
Support the Quality Assurance Manager with organising / provide training, feedback and coaching to Quality Controllers, for all aspects of their role.
Other Duties:
Sampling, testing (in-house and sending to an external laboratory), and inspecting products for Microbiological, Chemical, Physical and Organoleptic properties.
Ensuring customer quality standards are being met and tested when required.
Monitoring Finished Goods Quality Testing Database is updated, and analysis and reporting of results.
Calibration of Quality Testing Equipment.
Completing Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and other related quality documentation as required for customers.
Initiating any corrective/preventative actions and rechecks, if not already completed by Quality Controllers.
Initiate and participate in investigations to resolve quality issues and customer complaints.
Finished Goods Shelf-life Monitoring and Analysis.
Prepare and present reports on quality performance to management.
Ensure food safety protocols are followed.
Support the business by identifying new opportunities.
Support quality, compliance, R&D and site teams as required.
Basic administration duties as per your role requirements on a day-to-day basis.
Ensuring Health, Safety and Environment and Quality Management policies and procedures are adhered to.
Assisting in the sharing of information and contributing technical expertise to other team members or the wider production team.
Participating in mandatory training as and when required.
Key Skills and Experience:
3+ Years experience in the food or pet food industry with proven experience in a related position.
Able to communicate technical information in simple terms to quality controllers and other internal personnel.
Dedication to providing outstanding Customer Service.
Competent in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Teams, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and advanced skills in Excel and Word), and proficient in computer use for various tasks.
An enthusiastic can-do attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.
Excellent communication skills, where clearly conveying expectations, standards, and feedback to team members is crucial. This also includes active listening and the ability to understand and respond effectively to team member concerns.
Problem-solving skills, where quality-related issues are inevitable. The ability to think critically, identify the root causes of problems, and develop effective solutions is crucial.
Leadership Skills: As a coordinator, you'll need to lead and motivate your team, set a positive example, and foster a culture of quality and accountability.
Attention to Detail: Overseeing quality controllers requires a keen eye for detail to ensure all products meet the company's quality standards.
Time Management: Balancing multiple responsibilities, from planning activities to analysing data, requires excellent time management and organisational skills.
Continuous Learning: Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices in quality assurance.
Tertiary qualifications must include at least one of the following:
Science, Food Technology, Product Development, or similar
Applicable Quality Auditing, Management Systems Qualification
Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies and supplier management practices, including in-depth knowledge of industry standards and certifications such as Risk Management Programmes, HACCP, GMP and ISO 9001.
Experience with SQF or other GSFI quality standards.
Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or another ERP.
Experience using Marel Innova or another MES (Manufacturing Execution System).
Experience in Food Legislation.
Export Food Safety and/or Compliance experience would be advantageous.
Workplace Health & Safety awareness.
Characteristics:
Customer / People-centric and a natural problem solver, with attention for detail.
A passionate high achiever.
Prepared to challenge the status quo/boundaries and ability to drive constructive change.
Prepared to take ownership of problems and follow through on their resolution.
Is flexible and adaptable, anticipating and reporting problems, and happy to follow instruction to modify plans if required.
Prepared to deliver quality while managing time and resources.
Prepared to persevere and maintain energy and enthusiasm despite setbacks and continues to work towards set goals.
Trustworthy and reliable.
What's on our doorstep?
Mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes! We encourage work-life balance and are fortunate to have many outdoor activities nearby - skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, tramping, hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, boating, golf etc.
If you are looking for a change of pace and would embrace small town country/rural living, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a team who have come together to form a truly successful NZ Petfood business.
To learn more about our business please visit our website: www.kingcountrypetfood.com
What is in it for you?
Competitive salary depending on experience.
Job security.
Onsite parking.
Mandatory training provided.
Family and pet friendly focus.
Permanent position with full-time hours.
If you're an experienced Quality Coordinator or Quality Supervisor who's ready to make a significant impact and be part of our success story, we'd love to hear from you. Join this thriving team, where your capabilities are celebrated, and ongoing career development is encouraged.
How to apply
All applicants must be a NZ citizen, resident, or hold a valid NZ work visa. We will not be reviewing CVs that do not meet these criteria.
Please apply for this job by clicking 'apply now'.

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