Manager Quality Assurance

Background

Reports to: Head Pole Plant Supervises: Senior Production Senior and Quality Officers Purpose of the Position: To establish, implement, and maintain quality assurance systems at the pole treatment plant to ensure that all treated utility poles meet required technical, safety, and regulatory standards for electricity distribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Management Systems
  • Develop and implement quality assurance policies, procedures, and standards for pole treatment and production.
  • Ensure compliance with national and international standards (e.g., timber treatment, preservative usage, environmental standards).
  • Maintain documentation for quality systems, audits, and certifications.
• Inspection & Testing
  • Oversee inspection of raw materials (poles, chemicals) and finished products.
  • Ensure testing of treated poles for strength, preservative penetration/retention.
  • Approve or reject materials/products based on quality benchmarks.
• Process Control
  • Monitor pole treatment processes (e.g., seasoning, preservative treatment).
  • Identify process deviations and implement corrective actions.
  • Work closely with production teams to improve efficiency without compromising quality.
• Compliance & Standards
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Liaise with regulatory bodies, certification agencies, and auditors.
  • Lead internal and external quality audits.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Analyse quality data and trends to identify areas for improvement.
  • Implement quality improvement initiatives and best practices.
  • Drive a culture of quality across the plant.
• Team Leadership
  • Supervise QA inspectors and technicians.
  • Train staff on quality standards, procedures, and safety practices.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and capacity-building programs.
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
  • Ensure quality processes align with HSE policies.
  • Monitor safe handling of treatment chemicals and waste disposal.
  • Promote environmental sustainability practices.
• Reporting
  • Prepare periodic quality reports for management.
  • Maintain records of inspections, tests, non-conformities, and corrective actions.
  • Liaise with stores section to ensure that only poles of same size are stacked together and keep a record of stacked poles.

Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in any Science Course, e.g Engineering, Wood science and Technology, Forestry or a course in any closely related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Quality Management is an added advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in quality assurance, preferably in manufacturing, utilities, or wood treatment

Professional Certification:

• Certification in Quality Management Systems ( ISO 9001 ) is desirable

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of QA/QC systems and standards
• Understanding of timber treatment processes and materials testing
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management
• Attention to detail and high integrity
• Good communication and reporting skills

Working Conditions

• Based at an industrial plant environment
• Exposure to chemicals and machinery (with required PPE)
• Occasional travel for inspections and audits