Crop Defenders is seeking a Quality Specialist to support and strengthen our Quality Circle. This role goes beyond routine quality control testing and reporting. The successful candidate will be responsible for investigating quality issues, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, designing and documenting quality processes, and developing the technical expertise needed to take day-to-day ownership of the Quality function under the guidance of senior technical leadership.
The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, detail-oriented, and capable of applying strong technical and statistical knowledge to solve problems, improve systems, and anticipate quality risks before they impact production or customers.
Reports to: Senior Technical Leadership (Quality / R&D)
Works closely with:
-
Quality Team
- Production Team
- R&D Team
- IPM Team
- Customer Support Team
- Conduct and oversee routine quality control activities, including emergence testing, predator counts, viability testing, and product inspections.
- Analyze quality data using statistical methods to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential concerns.
- Maintain accurate and detailed quality records and reports.
- Investigate quality deviations, product failures, and customer complaints.
- Perform root cause analysis and recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Collaborate with production and technical teams to resolve quality concerns effectively.
- Identify opportunities to improve quality systems, workflows, and procedures.
- Assist in developing, updating, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Support continuous improvement projects focused on efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
- Design and conduct basic quality-related trials and experiments.
- Apply statistical analysis to evaluate results and determine significance of findings.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret trial data.
- Validate results using appropriate statistical methods to ensure reliability and scientific accuracy.
- Document findings and present recommendations to leadership.
- Monitor processes and identify potential quality risks before they become customer-facing issues.
- Recommend preventative actions and process controls.
- Support development of quality metrics and monitoring systems.
- Receive coaching and technical guidance from senior technical leadership.
- Develop capability to independently coordinate day-to-day Quality Circle activities.
- Support training and mentoring of quality technicians and production staff on quality-related procedures.
- Bachelor’s degree is minimum requirement.
- MSc in Biology, Entomology, Agriculture, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Science, Quality Assurance, or related scientific field is preferred.
- 2–5 years of experience in quality assurance, quality control, laboratory operations, agriculture, biological production, or a related technical environment.
- Experience conducting investigations and solving technical problems is preferred.
- Experience in statistical analysis, trial design, SOP development, or continuous improvement is a strong asset.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to investigate issues and identify root causes.
- Scientific thinking and strong attention to detail.
- Data analysis, statistical analysis, and reporting skills.
- Technical writing and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
-
This role offers a unique opportunity to develop into a future quality leader within an innovative biological agriculture company. The successful candidate will work directly with experienced technical leaders, gain hands-on experience in applied science, statistical analysis, and quality systems, and play a key role in ensuring the success of Crop Defenders' products and customers.
