Field Quality Inspector (Asia)

The Company

Our client is a progressive global plastic recycling business with three distinct divisions: (1) Plastic Recycling; (2) Recycled Supply Chain Management; and (3) Recycled & Waste Plastic Feedstock. Their expert global team combine impressive technical knowledge and capability with a passion for recycling and the circular economy. Our client is passionate about transforming waste into a valuable commodity, buying, selling and recycling scrap plastic.

Since our client started on their journey in 2005, they have developed a worldwide presence, serving hundreds of customers in over 50 countries. They have grown a strong, talented team who are highly trained, dedicated and loyal. They are headquartered in Hong Kong with operations and representation in Australia, Finland, Ireland, Turkey, Spain, Netherlands & UK. They operate a factory based in the UK specialising in the collection and recycling of plastic waste generated from industry and manufacturing.

The Ideal Candidate

You are goal-orientated, not afraid to get their hands dirty, and love to take action and move forward constantly. You turn challenges into opportunities and quickly solve problems. When things are tough, you can take a step back, gain perspective, and remain objective to ensure the desired outcome is achieved. In this way, our stays flexible, seeks to pinpoint what really matters, and finds workable actions, quickly. Our client's people are eager to stay up-to-date by reading, attending training and take ownership of personal development.

Job Summary

You will be dedicated to ensuring our client's waste & recycled plastic supplies are of the right quality for our customers to recycle and use to make new products.

A key support to the commercial teams, you will be responsible for supplier inspections and audits, material inspections, sample collection, attending and guiding loadings (in shipping containers), performing tests, analysing results and preparation of various documentation.

It will involve lots of work in the field (must be willing to get hands dirty) and travelling to suppliers in different parts of the country. You will be on the road 3-4 days per week and responsible for managing your own time.

This is a new role in a growing business that will have long term opportunities for career progression into commercial or technical sides of the business. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about plastic recycling from the ground up and contribute to ensuring plastic waste goes to its best possible end use.

There will be extensive training to give you technical skills to conduct quality tests. After undertaking the initial onboarding program, you will also take an “on the job” approach to learning the role and developing your skills, taking ownership of your development.

Success is achieved through being curious, investigative and methodical in your approach to conducting quality inspections.

A strong communicator, you must be willing to make tough choices and have difficult conversations if material quality does not meet the required standards.

This role is suited to an ambitious individual who is driven, disciplined and motivated, goal driven and wants to be part of a Values driven organisation in a growth industry.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct supplier and buyer factory inspections.
• Attending scheduled and ad-hoc product loadings (in shipping containers) to ensure quality and packing compliance:
• o Detailed, hands-on inspection and cross-checking material quality.
• o Rejecting non-conforming product.
• o Collating, completing and submitting relevant paperwork post-loading.
• Collecting samples, taking photos and inspecting products at supplier and customer facilities:
• o Inspecting and evaluating quality of material in detail (unit by unit).
• o Packing and distributing samples collected.
• Be proactive to identify potential quality issues, contaminations or variances in product quality.
• Be prepared ahead of inspections to ensure knowledge of expected quality.
• Conducting basic quality tests to ensure compliance.
• o Using on-site gadgets such as Near Infrared (NIR), Micrometer, Magnets and other industry specific testing methods.
• Actively listen and gather information that may be useful for account managers.
• Reporting back to and consult with account managers on inspection results.
• Engage in constant and active risk management on product and packing quality.
• Report on and investigate non-conformances. Be proactive introducing corrective and preventative actions.
• Be proactive to identify and report on commercial opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier, buyer & product information in CRM.
• Actively engage with the greater team to develop skills and share knowledge.

Person Specification

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience)

• At least 5 years’ experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control or Quality Inspector.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in the field.
• Driving license required and able to travel overnight.

Skills & Abilities

• Multilingual (fluent English is a requirement).
• Able to use logic and reasoning to appraise situations.
• Able to anticipate opportunities and risks.
• Able to build rapport quickly with colleagues and customers.
• Able to negotiate effectively with customers to maximise margins.
• Able to effectively collaborate with colleagues to achieve results.
• Able to manage and respond quickly to changing/competing priorities .
• Highly organized, able to independently plan own time.
• Able to follow internal procedure & policy (CRM, Admin, Trial Policies, Customer Onboarding).
• Able to present and clearly communicate information in speaking and writing.
• Able to ensure tasks are completed on time and to a high-standard.
• Able to use Excel, Outlook, Word and other MS Office products with high level of proficiency.
• Able to undertake effective research.

General Attributes

• Non-Negotiables: Action oriented, Builds strong relationships, Curious, Driven to learn, Empathetic, Investigative, Reflective, Resilient, Resourceful, Seeks feedback, Trustworthy.
• Willing to take complete ownership of the role and drive success.
• Grit and determination.
• Persuasive with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Self-aware and reflective on successes and failures.
• Not afraid to have challenging conversations.
• Understands that upfront effort prevents issues down the line.
• Committed to on-going personal and professional development.
• Values team above self.