Quality Assurance Officer

The Company

Irish Country Meats is the specialist sheep meat division of ABP Foods Group, with operational locations in Camolin, Co. Wexford, Navan, Co. Meath, and Liège, Belgium. The Group has established market positions in Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe, servicing retail, foodservice, wholesale, and manufacturing customers across its markets.

A talented and committed workforce at Irish Country Meats is crucial to our ongoing success. In all areas of our business, we seek to employ people who are passionate about their area of expertise and dedicated to delivering the highest standards.

The Role

Irish Country Meats is seeking to appoint a Quality Assurance Officer based in Camolin, Co. Wexford. The successful candidate will report to the Quality Manager and will work closely with Supervisors, Area Managers, Maintenance, and the Operations Team to ensure the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance are maintained across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor product quality, manufacturing processes, food safety, and compliance throughout the production process.
• Conduct inspections on incoming raw materials and finished products to ensure all specifications are met.
• Communicate quality-related issues and performance metrics to suppliers and site management.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Hygiene, and Quality Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor and report quality performance and trends to site management.
• Liaise with Production and Planning teams to ensure customer specifications and requirements are achieved.
• Manage non-conforming products, including product holds, investigations, corrective actions, and release processes.
• Carry out pre-operational inspections and cleaning verification activities.
• Provide food safety and quality guidance and support to employees across the site.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with company and regulatory requirements.
• Collect product samples for laboratory analysis, product development, customer requests, and retention programmes.
• Investigate customer complaints and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead and support root cause analysis investigations relating to internal and external non-conformances.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in quality systems and manufacturing processes.
• Support customer visits, audits, and technical meetings when required.
• Assist in maintaining and improving the site's Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achieve and maintain customer complaint reduction targets in conjunction with production teams.
• Maintain and improve external certifications, customer standards, and accreditations.
• Drive a culture of audit readiness and achieve minimal audit non-conformances.
• Support and lead GMP audit programmes to continuously improve site standards.
• Ensure compliance with structural audit requirements and maintenance standards.
• Maintain full traceability compliance throughout the production process.
• Support key food safety and quality improvement initiatives across the site.

As this is a food safety and quality-focused role, responsibilities may evolve in line with business requirements.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A third-level qualification in Food Science, Agricultural Science, Quality Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience within the food manufacturing or FMCG sector.
• HACCP certification or knowledge of HACCP principles would be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• A hands-on approach with the ability to develop practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• A proactive and results-driven mindset.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Excellent attendance, punctuality, and commitment to quality standards.