Required skills

Ability to

analyse complex statistical data and prepare corrective responses to nonconformances and variations identified in the data relevant to enterprise quality systems and operations

apply quality concepts and tools to problemsolving and the development of quality data collection data management systems and analysis strategies

apply substantial product and process knowledge to the development of the quality system and the interpretation of quality data

communicate quality goals requirements and findings to stakeholders in formats and styles appropriate to the context and purpose

consult negotiate with and report to regulatory authorities openly and promptly consistent with enterprise ethical standards This includes the notification of breaches and the preparation of noncompliance reports

develop consultative and feedback procedures and opportunities for identification and resolution of quality issues and problems

develop continuous improvement processes and team building using the plan do check act cycle

develop quality policies for the enterprise in consultation with senior management and other stakeholders

develop workforce commitment capability and responsibility for the quality system This involves identifying negotiating and scheduling training inclusion of responsibilities and duties relating to quality system implementation and integration in all job descriptions and work instructions clear communication of responsibilities and requirements delegation of tasks and responsibilities and inclusion of the workforce in consultative and continuous improvement processes

ensure the quality system meets legislative and regulatory requirements

exercise judgement pragmatism and quality knowledge in the management and resolution of quality issues and problems

identify and apply relevant OHampS and workplace requirements

identify and describe process capability

identify appropriate monitoring systems and strategies to support the enterprise quality system

identify the applicable quality standards regulations codes and legislation and customer requirements for the quality system and explain the implications for the enterprise

identify research and update sources of quality information and advice including technical and regulatory information to support enterprise quality system

lead personnel eg Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point HACCP team management quality team meat inspection team laboratory maintenance teams processors and operators in the implementation and improvement of the quality system

monitor and analyse the costs of the quality system including prevention costs appraisal costs total quality costs and failure costs

monitor and certify processes and product to meet third party requirements eg importing country public health requirements customers

oversee audit processes internal and external act on audit findings and provide feedback to personnel for improvement of the system

oversee the preparation for third party certification where appropriate

plan and resource the enterprise training strategy consistent with regulatory requirements to assist personnel at all levels in the implementation of the quality system

prepare and sign off quality policies manuals and documentation for the enterprise including the preparation and updating of preventative corrective and responsive procedures and strategies supplier criteria and specifications supplier and contractor audit requirements

prepare quality implementation plans identifying goals key personnel and areas resources strategies timelines and milestones

present reports according to legal and enterprise requirements

resolve customer complaints promptly and provide corrective action responses

use appropriate questioning observation listening and recording skills in the collection and monitoring of quality data

where quality systems are based on HACCP principles or good manufacturing practice explain these principles and the implications for the enterprise quality system

apply relevant communication and mathematical skills

Required knowledge

Knowledge of

the key concepts philosophies and tools of quality management

the management and organisational structure of the enterprise and its impact on enterprise systems

the role audits play in a quality system

documentation requirements of the quality system including levels and their roles in the functioning of the system including the requirement for effective and secure quality recordkeeping systems

enterprise goals and directions and their implications for the quality system

the legal requirements for the establishment and maintenance of the enterprise QA system including responsibilities for reporting breaches to authorities and implementing audit findings

the principles and functions of hazard analysis and control validation including auditing and verification in quality systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to develop manage and maintain quality systems for food processing

Evidence is also required in the ability to lead people manage systems and build quality into all enterprise systems and operations

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard In particular assessors should look to see evidence of the ability to develop and document quality system procedures to enterprise and legislative requirements to implement the quality systems in a typical food production process including establishing responsibilities training requirements and reporting arrangements to collect and analyse process control data and other data and recommend quality system improvements and to develop procedures to deal with nonconformance in relation to quality system requirements

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of food technology Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria including the critical aspects and knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide and within the scope as defined by the Range Statements applicable to the workplace environment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to

Production process and related equipment manufacturers advice and operating procedures

A food processing enterprise with documentation to support the implementation of a QA system

Methods and related software systems as required for collecting data and calculating yields efficiencies and material variances appropriate to production environment

Tests used to report relevant productprocess information and recorded results

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

Observation of candidate carrying out product development and conducting a range of tests and procedures

Written andor oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

Completing workplace documentation

Third party reports from experienced practitioner

Case studies

Field Reports

Guidance information for assessment

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated environments

Quality systems

Requirements of the quality system

Systems components and procedures

Statistical data analysis

Quality tools

Data management systems

Data analysis and interpretation

Documentation for the QA process for food safety

Legislation

OHS requirements

Regulatory requirements

Process capability

strategies

Third party certification