Assistant Quality Control Lead

The Assistant Quality Control Lead is responsible for managing day-to-day quality control activities at the Kano Warehouse, ensuring that incoming and cleaned sesame are sampled, tested and inspected in line with approved specifications. The role reviews quality results and escalates non-conforming lots, ensures proper lot segregation, identification and traceability, supports the implementation of quality SOPs and related training, and coordinates with Procurement, Warehouse and Cleaning teams while maintaining the independence of quality decisions. The role also maintains a direct quality reporting link with the Sagamu Warehouse to ensure consistency of quality standards across both locations.

Job Details

Sampling, Testing and Inspection Coordination

• Coordinate sampling, testing and inspection of incoming raw sesame and cleaned/processed sesame at the Kano hub, ensuring adherence to approved sampling plans and testing protocols.
• Schedule and oversee daily laboratory and inspection activities to keep pace with incoming volumes and processing throughput.

Quality Results Review and Non-Conformance Escalation

• Review quality/test results against approved specifications, promptly identifying non-conforming lots.
• Escalate non-conforming lots and significant quality deviations to the Quality Control Lead for corrective action or disposition decisions.

Lot Segregation, Identification and Traceability

• Ensure proper segregation, labelling and identification of sesame lots by quality status and stage (incoming, in-process, cleaned, released, rejected).
• Maintain accurate, traceable records linking lots from receipt through cleaning/processing to release or rejection.

SOP Implementation and Training Support

• Support the implementation of quality SOPs, sampling plans and testing protocols at the Kano hub, ensuring staff understanding and compliance.
• Coordinate and support training and refresher sessions for QC Supervisors and Officers on SOPs and quality procedures.

Cross-Functional Coordination with Independence

• Coordinate with Procurement, Warehouse and Cleaning/Processing teams on quality-related matters, such as lot readiness, inspection scheduling and hold/release status, without compromising the independence of quality decisions.
• Maintain a direct quality reporting link with the Sagamu hub, ensuring alignment of quality standards, data and escalations between both locations.

Requirements

• B.Sc./HND in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Agriculture, or a closely related field. Relevant certification in quality management or laboratory practice is an advantage.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory requirements, or prior experience working within an accredited laboratory, is desirable.
• Minimum of 4-6 years' experience in quality control/assurance within the agro-commodity, food processing or export sector, including some supervisory experience, preferably with sesame or similar commodities.