Quality Control Officer (Cold Storage)

Emperor Penguin Ice Cold Storage is in need of Quality Control Officer!

He/she is responsible for ensuring all meat products stored and handled within the cold storage facility meet established quality, safety, and regulatory standards. This role serves as an independent checkpoint in the operation, conducting inspections, maintaining compliance documentation, and driving continuous improvement in food safety practices.

Product Inspection & Quality Assurance

• Inspect all incoming meat products upon receipt — evaluate condition, temperature on arrival, packaging integrity, and compliance with product specifications

• Conduct quality checks at key points in the cold chain: receiving, storage, order picking, and dispatch

• Identify and quarantine non-conforming products; coordinate with suppliers and management on disposition (return, rejection, or downgrade)

• Monitor product shelf life and expiry dates; flag near-expiry stock in coordination with inventory personnel

• Perform organoleptic evaluations (visual, odor, texture) on meat products as part of routine quality checks

• Ensure proper labeling, packaging, and product identification across all inventory

Compliance

• Inspect all incoming meat products upon receipt — evaluate condition, temperature on arrival, packaging integrity, and compliance with product specifications

• Conduct quality checks at key points in the cold chain: receiving, storage, order picking, and dispatch

• Identify and quarantine non-conforming products; coordinate with suppliers and management on disposition (return, rejection, or downgrade)

• Monitor product shelf life and expiry dates; flag near-expiry stock in coordination with inventory personnel

• Ensure proper labeling, packaging, and product identification across all inventory

Cold Chain & Food Safety Compliance

• Monitor and verify cold storage temperatures across all freezers and chillers; investigate and escalate any temperature deviations

• Ensure facility operations comply with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles at all times

• Conduct regular sanitation inspections of cold storage areas, equipment, and personnel hygiene practices

• Verify that all staff follow food safety protocols including proper PPE use, handwashing, and contamination prevention measures

• Ensure compliance with NMIS and BFAR regulations and applicable Philippine food safety laws

• Coordinate with the warehouse team to ensure FIFO/FEFO compliance is maintained for all meat products

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain complete and accurate QC records including inspection reports, temperature logs, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and corrective action logs

• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly quality reports to management

• Develop and update QC SOPs, checklists, and quality standards documentation

• Support internal quality audits and ensure facility readiness for government or third-party inspections

• Track and monitor corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to ensure timely closure

Continuous Improvement

• Identify recurring quality issues and recommend corrective measures to prevent recurrence

• Assist in the development and review of food safety management systems and quality policies

• Train warehouse and operations staff on quality standards, food safety practices, and proper meat handling procedures

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry best practices in cold storage and meat handling

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum 2 years of experience in quality control or food safety, preferably in meat processing, cold storage, or FMCG

• HACCP certification is strongly preferred; knowledge of GMP, GHP, and food safety management systems

• Familiarity with NMIS and BFAR regulatory frameworks for meat and seafood products

• Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and ability to make sound quality decisions independently

• Good documentation and report-writing skills; comfortable using digital systems for QC logging and reporting

• Adaptable to technology; ability to work with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) for quality inspection tracking is an advantage

• Ability to work independently and maintain objectivity separate from operational pressures

• Willing to work in cold storage environments (0°C to -18°C)

Work Conditions

• Work environment: Cold storage facility; exposure to temperatures between 0°C and -18°C

• May require presence during off-hours for unannounced inspections or incident response

• Required to wear PPE including thermal gear, gloves, hairnet, and safety footwear