Quality Analyst

Job Title: Quality Analyst

Business Function: Supply Chain, Quality

Location: Port Sunlight Factories (Site Based)

JOB PURPOSE

The Quality Analyst is responsible for product safety to deliver consumer requirements through adhering to safety and quality standards, maximising cost effectiveness, optimal running and equipment efficiency.

The Quality Analyst achieves this objective through routine quality control of raw, intermediate and finished products, ensuring that any problems or issues are communicated and resolved. The role involves mostly independent working and is critical to ensuring that all products that leave the factory meet consumer needs.

In this role a Quality Analyst will execute, improve and co-ordinate various specific production tasks across all laboratories and factory operations.  These will include, but not limited to:

·       Perform routine analysis of raw, intermediate, and finished products (chemical, microbiological and enzymatic) following established methods

·       Good working knowledge of QC procedures, Unilever GMP guidelines, any legal operating standards and assists in training other teams as and when required

·       Initiate OOS notifications and follow up investigations for RCA reasons

·       Perform routine equipment calibration and maintain control charts

·       Stock taking and submission of orders for laboratory consumables

·       Perform routine microbiological testing in hygiene laboratory[sample collection, media preparation, analysis (using established microbiology laboratory methods TVC or ATP) and release of products to market]

·       Support introduction of new innovations and hygiene validations

·       Conduct audits of sourcing unit in different areas (for example PQS, Environmental, Process, GMP)

·       Demonstrate good knowledge and use of SAP system (QM)

·       Prepare, maintain, monitor and lead COSHH assessments (following suitable training) where required

·       Provide advice to Leaders and Management on resolving out of specification results in a timely manner

·       Ensure timely release of product to market, interact with all levels within the Factory

·       Ensure all Laboratory equipment is maintained to the correct working standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety

• Ensure company safety policy, rules, and procedures are understood and followed at all times, encouraging everyone to behave safely and challenging unsafe behaviour.
• Actively contribute to a safe working environment and culture by identifying and reporting health or safety hazards and dangerous situations involving Unilever personnel, site contractors, third parties, and visitors.
• Participate in regular inspections/audits for good housekeeping and area safety, ensuring agreed actions are completed.
• Execute tasks in line with Risk Assessments (RAs). Support in reviewing existing and new RAs. Support in creating RAs where none exist.

Quality

• Champion material handling according to quality procedures and standards to achieve required product quality targets with minimal waste.
• Co-ordinate and execute quality procedures, tasks and documentation, including rework activities and quality investigations.

Customer Service

The impact of the Quality Analyst’s decisions will be felt quickly; therefore, an immediate response is required to address any issues which may arise.

In this role you will need to:

• Ensure products are produced according to quality specifications to maintain high customer service.

• Anticipate and react quickly to problems in order to avoid impact to customer service.
• Escalate issues in a timely manner, where needed.

Cost

Identify improvements in order to reduce Cost, Waste and Energy.

Run To Standard

• Define and follow 5S standards.
• Maintain and improve 5S workplace organization.

• Understand and participate in the area Run to Standard master plan.

• Follow, document, and carry out Run to Standard tasks in line with role requirements. Tasks include:
  • CILR activities such as Cleaning, Inspection, Lubrication and Retightening tasks
  • Centrelines against standards (e.g., calibration).
• Support the Leader in optimizing maintenance schedules and reviewing team activities.
• Restore work area to original condition after maintenance or at end of work day.
• Report equipment issues using proper procedures such as the tag database.

• Monitor equipment condition to prevent breakdowns, monitoring loss patterns using FI tools.

• Provide breakdown information and support Engineers in analysis and counter measures.
• Record and classify losses accurately; manage loss data effectively.
• Assist leaders in embedding a “Fix forever” mentality with appropriate countermeasures.
• Create and review SOPs, standards, and OPLs.

Training and Development

• Complete training to the required standard.
• Ensure all relevant skills are displayed on team skills matrix.
• Take ownership to close skills gaps identified by the skills matrix by arranging and completing training activities.
• Seek feedback from others to further development of own skills and raise standards.
• Embrace training and development of the full team, supporting other team members where appropriate.
• When appropriate and relevant to your skillset, assist in training of new team members.

Problem Solving

A proactive response to problem solving is essential to avoid losses and ensure general smooth running within the production area.

In this role you will need to:

• Identify, diagnose and resolve common challenges with Machinery faults, System errors, Manual Handling Equipment issues and miscellaneous problems.
• Use Run to Standard concepts to trouble shoot more complex problems, understanding why the faults have occurred and identifying solutions to prevent future reoccurrence.
• Collecting and escalating information on more complex faults to the Engineers or Leadership.

A working knowledge of the machines/systems and processes will be needed to effectively participate in these problem-solving tasks.

Change

In this role you will need a proactive and collaborative attitude to change, including short notice planning changes to meet customer requests.

The ideal candidate will:

• Drive best practices in safety and quality assurance by implementing efficient processes and collaborating with colleagues.
• Participate in change initiatives, such as new installations and trials. Track successes and failures where needed to provide feedback on successes and challenges. Support team members to ensuring smooth ramp-up and procedural changes for all.
  

ALL ABOUT YOU

Essential:

• A proven background of experience within a Quality role or a science related Degree (or equivalent)
• GCSEs A-C or equivalent in Maths, English and Science
• Good level of computing skills including MS Office and Excel
• Analyse data, prioritisation and organisational skills
• Previous experience in Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Tools

Desirable:

·       Experience in a manufacturing or technical environment (FMCG)

·       Practical creativity and Manual Dexterity

·       Clear written and verbal communication skills

·       Previous SAP experience

The ideal candidate for this role displays the 4 Unilever behaviours in their work:

Focus on what counts: Prioritize tasks that directly impact the safety of consumers/staff and efficiency of the ensuring a successful production process. This could mean concentrating on high-priority packing lines or resolving bottlenecks in the automated systems. Show diligence by meticulously managing these tasks and taking personal accountability for their successful completion. Inspire others by consistently focusing on what matters most, such as ensuring timely and accurate order fulfilment.

Deliver with excellence: Strive for high standards in every aspect of your work. This involves attention to detail and a commitment to quality in all operations, including monitoring automated systems for errors and ensuring timely line supply. Demonstrate responsibility by owning the quality of your work and going above and beyond when the opportunity arises to exceed expectations, such as optimizing workflows to improve efficiency.

Stay 3 steps ahead: Anticipate potential issues before they arise, such as peak times for sample testing, late plan changes or maintenance needs for automated equipment and organize your work accordingly. Be proactive in suggesting improvements to processes or workflows. Efficiently resolve challenges by staying vigilant and prepared for any disruptions, ensuring minimal downtime and smooth operations.

Care deeply: Show genuine concern for the well-being of colleagues and the satisfaction of customers. This might involve maintaining a safe and clean working environment, supporting team members, developing yourself and others, and ensuring that customer orders are handled with care. Maintain high standards in safety and lead by example by consistently showing care and commitment, such as conducting regular safety checks and providing training on new equipment.

By integrating these qualities, you not only embody the desired behaviours but also contribute to a more efficient, responsible, and supportive work environment in the Packing area.

CONTACTS

Effective communication and collaboration are essential skills for this role. You will regularly interact with multi-functional teams, including:

• Safety
• Quality
• Operations
• Engineering
• Planning
• Management

• Contractors/visitors
• Stores
• Category team
• Unilever SUs, Distribution Centre, hauliers, and third-party teams
• Legal compliance, Auditors and regulatory bodies

This diverse group requires excellent written and oral communication skills for clear and patient interactions.

Communication responsibilities include shift handovers, shift logs, activity boards, and email correspondence. Attendance and participation in operation, E2E and planning meetings may be required. Role tasks must be covered by coordinating with colleagues and adhering to site agreements, escalating issues as needed.

NOTES

What We Offer

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all. 

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever | Unilever.

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How is Unilever tackling this?

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