Amitabh Sharma
Features Coordinator

In today's marketplace, there is an increased thrust on conforming to international quality standards, and importantly, maintaining those standards. One area of prime focus on quality and food safety. However apart from laboratory technicians or analysts, there are other important players in the food industry, whose duty is also to ensure quality control.

"There is another key element," informed Sheryl Mullings manager, Certification Unit, National Certification Body of Jamaica, "which are auditors and quality control managers." She outlines what the job of a quality control manager entails.

"A bachelor's degree is a must; incumbents should also have at least two years of experience in quality management. They will have to conform to ISO 19011 standards, for which they are sent to observe and witness the audit process,and for this, they are sent abroad for training," says Mullings.

According to Mullings, 'freshers' can do a lead auditors course and join as a provisional auditor. This training is available through the NCBJ.

She says incumbents must be be ethical, tenacious and observant. They should have good communication skills and exhibit leadership qualities.

Job profile
In broad terms, she outlines, an auditor's job profile is to audit, verify that the quality control measures are implemented in the organisation and give objective feedback to the client. The basic job profile is to conduct audit, prepare an audit plan, review and highlight the problem areas.

Quality careers
"Careers in quality can vary from one organisation to another," she adds. "A few primary job classifications are consistent, regardless of industry or organisation."

She outlines some career opportunities in 'quality' sector:

• Analysts initiate and/or coordinate quality- related data from production and service activities and report these data using statistical techniques.


• Associates- are involved in quality improvement activities or projects but not necessarily full-time.


• Inspectors- systematically inspect and examine a quality system to ensure conformance with requirements.


• Lead Auditors and Auditors- audit and report on materials, processes and products using variable or attribute-measuring instruments and techniques, to ensure conformance with the organisation's quality standards.


• Quality engineers design- install and evaluate quality-assurance process-sampling systems, procedures and statistical techniques; design or specify inspection and testing mechanisms and equipment; analyse production and service limitations and standards; recommend revision of specifications when indicated; and formulate quality assurance policies and procedures.


• Quality managers- oversee the administration of quality, process and/or business improvement efforts. They typically have authority over a clearly defined area of the organisation and a number of direct reports.


• Quality Specialists- perform specific functions within a quality initiative, such as statistical analysis or testing. They have extensive experience or training.


• Quality Assurance Technicians- perform basic quality tasks to track, analyse and report on materials, processes and products, ensuring they meet organisational standards.

Importance of Quality professionals
According to Mullings the issue of quality control is gaining importance."The NCBJ began operating from April 2007 and in the course of a year we have seen that an increasing number of organisations are taking keen note of the direct benefits to be derived from implementing Management Systems, which are related to quality, environment, occupational health and safety and food safety."

She adds that her organisation projects that by December 2009 over 400 companies in Jamaica will be seeking certification, which will translate into increased demand for quality managers.

Employment opportunities
As a quality control manager, there is an option to work with NCBJ or branch out and become a consultant. Their chief responsibilities would be to advise managers on quality issues and how to implement the best practices in the industry.

Job opportunities are fast growing industries such as food processing, blow mould plastic factories, hotel and tourism, transportation and construction.

She says concurrently, there is an ever increasing need for leaders in organisations to implement management systems and to commit themselves to continuous improvement and achieve standards of international competitiveness.

"There is a growing need for a cadre of quality professionals," Mullings adds.

Growth and prospects
The NCBJ manager says quality manager and auditor one facilitates in the development process. "It is imperative to deliver consistent quality, and the support of qualified and committed quality practitioners, local companies will find it difficult to implement international standards," she said.

These quality personnel increase their ability to deliver competitive products and services in both local and overseas markets. They also help and facilitate penetration of these products and services in new markets.

A lucrative career option, consultancy rates for quality maintenanace professional range from US $ 305 upwards per day.

Mullings says that persons looking for job opportunities will find this area challenging and rewarding.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com