Quality Control Specialist (flavors)
3 days ago
Valencia
We are a global 360º natural ingredients solutions provider to the Food & Beverage industry. For over 30 years we have been providing natural fruit solutions such as juice concentrates, multi blends, bases for soft drinks, oils, and natural aromas. We create customized and natural solutions for our customers worldwide. With a fully flexible approach to processing and manufacturing, we enable new opportunities for collaboration and sustainable product innovations. The Quality Control (QC) Specialist ensures that all products (raw materials, intermediate, samples and final products), processes, and procedures meet company quality standards as well as regulatory and food safety requirements. This role is responsible for monitoring production activities, performing quality inspections, conducting tests, documenting results, authorizing the release of final products and supporting continuous improvement initiatives to guarantee high-quality, safe products for customers. This position is also responsible for supporting overall activities within the Quality, and Production departments. Product Sampling & Testing • Reception of Production Orders from Master Blender and checking customer’s quality specifications for each production., • Perform routine sampling of raw materials, intermediates, samples and finished products according to established QC protocols., • Conduct physical, chemical, and sensory tests (e.g., pH, viscosity, moisture, texture, color, taste, weight checks, Brix, acidity, ratio, color, vitamin C, HMF, nitrates, defects, and organoleptic evaluation, sensory, GC/MS, density, alcohol content)., • Operate and maintain laboratory instruments such as pH meters, spectrophotometers, balances, refractometers, GC-MS and microbiology tools (as applicable)., • Record results accurately and ensure data integrity within QC logs and systems., • Decide on the Quality approval of products based on the analyzed data and the product specs., • Authorized to block by Quality and reject the usage of certain raw materials that didn´t meet the expected specs. Production Line Monitoring • Conduct on‑line quality checks at predefined intervals to ensure products meet internal specifications., • Be an active member of the SOP sessions prior to run new operations in production or new type of products., • Ensure that Production is following the approved IFS flowchart., • Implement necessary training or refresher to the production team on specific topics or generic processes., • Verify key control parameters such as fill weights, packaging integrity, sealing, labelling accuracy, and product appearance., • Identify deviations or abnormalities and communicate them immediately to production teams to prevent defects or rework., • Support first‑article inspection during production startups, format changes, or product switches. Defect and Non-conformity Management • Detect defects, inconsistencies, or out-of-spec conditions during testing or line checks., • Isolate and label non-conforming materials/products., • Support the production team in identifying probable root causes and implementing corrective steps (without owning the QA/CAPA process)., • Track recurring defects and escalating trends to supervisors for quality improvement initiatives. Equipment & Instrument Management • Calibrate QC equipment according to internal schedules and maintain calibration records., • Conduct routine equipment cleaning and perform basic troubleshooting to ensure measurement accuracy., • Ensure all laboratory devices and tools are used safely and stored properly., • Conduct random checks to ensure consistency of sensory attributes (flavor, aroma, texture, color). Documentation & Reporting • Complete QC records, test sheets, and inspection checklists in a timely and accurate manner., • Maintain traceability of samples, test batches, and production runs. Hygiene & Housekeeping Within QC Scope • Keep QC lab and sampling areas clean, organized, and compliant with internal hygiene standards., • Follow protocols for sample handling, waste disposal, and cleaning of utensils and devices. Skills and competencies • Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field., • Prior experience (3+ years) in Quality Control within the Food & Beverage industry, flavours will be an advantage., • Solid understanding of food safety principles, HACCP, GMP, and quality management systems., • Experience working with analytical instruments (pH meters, spectrophotometers, GC-MS, moisture analyzers, etc.)., • Strong documentation skills and attention to detail., • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment., • Good reporting and communication skills., • Fluent in English. What we offer • Competitive salary., • Seasonal fruit delivered to the office twice a week., • Teambuilding activities., • Being part of a multicultural global team.
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