QC Analyst - Food

A growing food-based company is seeking a Sensory QC analyst to join its team. You will conduct routine testing of samples and lead daily sensory assessment panels. To be considered you will either have previous sensory experience or have a food science based degree. You must have a driving licence and your own transport to get to this site.

Duties

• Routine testing of samples submitted to QC
• Reviewing the requirements of each sample & leading the daily sensory assessment panel for routine quality control of raw materials and finished product and for product development samples.
• Prepare samples for assessment by the sensory panel ensuring products are representative and tasted at the most appropriate dilution to determine any issues
• Maintaining the retained samples ensuring that samples are available for review when required
• Identify opportunities to continuously improve the processes and testing parameters for sensory testing of materials
• Collate the sensory panel results for reporting and identify issues
• Ensure Sensory panellists are using good tasting techniques and scoring materials consistently
• Arrange and oversee training and testing programmes of panellists at appropriate intervals to ensure all panellists are working to the same criteria, i.e. the skills and scoring are 'calibrated'
• Support investigations into product quality complaints and failures due to sensory criteria
• Implement appropriate corrective action in the sensory lab or testing parameters where required
• Support Good Lab practices and ensure that procedures are kept up to date
• Ensure hygienic conditions are maintained in the sensory lab

Experience Required:

• Higher education in a science subject
• Excellent sensory capability
• High attention to detail with accurate record keeping & a passion for continuous improvement
• Experience in a quality testing lab
• Understanding of statistical methods in analysing results
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work to deadlines and prioritise own workload