Background

Kingsworth Group Limited is a leading food manufacturing company committed to quality, safety, and innovation. We are seeking highly qualified and experienced candidates to join our team.

Job Summary

The Online Quality Control Officer is responsible for real-time monitoring, verification, and documentation of production operations across all units of the corn wet-milling plant. This role ensures that all process parameters remain within established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintains comprehensive production records, monitors sanitation and hygiene standards, and ensures compliance with food safety regulations including FSSC 22000, HACCP, and applicable ISO standards. The Online QC Officer acts as the quality assurance eyes and ears on the production floor, performing routine inspections, collecting samples, maintaining checklists, and immediately escalating any deviations.

Key Responsibilities

• OPERATIONAL PARAMETER MONITORING: Monitor and record all critical process parameters across steeping, hydrocyclone refinery, flash drying, starch modification, and enzymatic hydrolysis units. Verify temperature, pressure, flow rates, pH, and viscosity measurements at designated intervals. Ensure all operational parameters remain within SOP-specified limits. Document readings on control charts and online monitoring systems. Identify and flag out-of-specification conditions immediately to Shift Supervisor/Quality Manager
• PRODUCTION RECORD VERIFICATION: Verify accuracy and completeness of production batch records and logs. Cross-check raw material lot numbers, batch IDs, and product codes with production documentation. Confirm hold times, start/end times, and operator signatures on all records. Review material traceability and ensure proper linkage between raw materials and finished products. Identify and report discrepancies or missing information to Quality Manager for investigation.
• PROCESS SOP COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION: Verify that all production steps follow approved Standard Operating Procedures. Confirm correct raw material selection, quantities, and quality specifications. Ensure proper cleaning, sanitization, and setup procedures are followed before production initiation. Monitor sequencing and timing of process steps. Verify equipment settings match SOP requirements.
• SANITATION & HYGIENE MONITORING: Conduct visual inspections of production areas for cleanliness and contamination risks. Verify implementation of pre-production cleaning and sanitation procedures. Monitor personal hygiene compliance (hand washing, protective equipment, hair nets, etc.). Inspect equipment, pipelines, and storage areas for dirt, product residues, or pest evidence. Monitor implementation of sanitization schedules and chemical application procedures. Document findings on sanitation checklists; report non-conformances immediately.
• CHECKLIST & FORM COMPLETION: Complete daily Online QC checklists covering equipment operation, parameter monitoring, and visual inspections. Fill out sanitation and hygiene monitoring forms with accurate and legible entries. Record deviation reports, corrective actions, and follow-up verification. Maintain time-bound records (start times, shift changes, investigations). Ensure all forms are signed, dated, and submitted to Quality Manager before shift end.
• SAMPLING & LABORATORY COORDINATION: Collect in-process and hold samples per established sampling plans. Label samples with batch ID, time, date, and sample location. Deliver samples to QC Laboratory and document chain of custody. Communicate critical test results and any out-of-spec findings to Quality Manager.
• DEVIATION MANAGEMENT & ESCALATION: Immediately report any process deviations, parameter out-of-spec conditions, or sanitation concerns to Shift Supervisor. Document deviations in detail: what, when, where, and initial observations. Support investigations and implementation of corrective actions. Verify effectiveness of corrective actions and document closure.
• EQUIPMENT CONDITION & MAINTENANCE TRACKING: Monitor equipment for visible damage, leaks, unusual sounds, or vibrations. Report maintenance issues to Plant Operations/Engineering. Verify that equipment has been calibrated and serviced per maintenance schedules. Confirm gauge accuracy and instrumentation function.
• PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION & LABELING: Verify correct product labeling and packaging batch codes. Ensure labels match batch records and production documentation. Report any labeling errors or discrepancies.
• FOOD SAFETY & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Support FSSC 22000 v6/v7 and HACCP program requirements. Maintain vigilance for Critical Control Points (CCPs) and monitor their effectiveness. Document allergen control and segregation measures. Ensure compliance with Codex Alimentarius, ISO 4833, ISO 21528, ISO 6579, ISO 21527 standards where applicable.
• RECORD MAINTENANCE & DOCUMENTATION: Maintain clear, legible, and complete records and checklists. File documentation in designated areas and ensure proper record retention. Support Internal Audits and regulatory inspections by providing necessary records.
• COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION: Communicate effectively with Production Operators, Shift Supervisors, and Quality Manager. Brief incoming shift QC officer on status of ongoing operations and any outstanding issues. Participate in shift handover meetings. Contribute feedback to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Required Experience

Education & Certification

• High School Diploma/GCE O-Levels; Diploma in Chemistry, Food Science, or Microbiology preferred.
• Certification in Food Safety (FSSC 22000, HACCP, or ISO 22000) is an added advantage.
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, PDF viewers, online monitoring systems).

Experience

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in food/beverage manufacturing, starch processing, or chemical production QC.
• Hands-on experience with process monitoring, parameter documentation, and SOP compliance verification.
• Demonstrated experience with sanitation audits, hygiene monitoring, and checklist-based inspections.
• Track record in shift-based operations and real-time problem-solving.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of corn wet-milling processes, starch modification, and enzymatic hydrolysis (training provided).
• Proficiency with measurement instruments: thermometers, pressure gauges, pH meters, viscosity meters.
• Familiarity with batch record systems, electronic data capture (ERP/LIMS systems preferred).
• Basic understanding of FSSC 22000, HACCP principles, and food safety regulations.
• Knowledge of sampling procedures, sample handling, and traceability documentation.

Personal Attributes & Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned areas.
• Proactive identification of issues and escalation discipline.
• Willingness to work shift schedules (morning, evening, night shifts as required).
• Physical capability to stand for extended periods and move about the plant.
• Reliability, punctuality, and commitment to compliance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit:

• a. Detailed CV.
• b. Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
• c. Traceable references.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Human Resource Manager

Kingsworth Group Limited

PH5IND/13, Tokyo Way

Multi Facility Economic Zone

Lusaka Province, Zambia.

Closing date: 18th October, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Kingsworth Group Limited is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply by emailing: miyoba@kingsworth.co.zm