Can a QC tech work on the manufacturing team?

Hi all, not sure if this is the correct sub to ask this in...

I am the Quality Manager for a cannabis manufacturing operation and I am looking to hire an entry level QC tech to assist me with some tasks. I only need a few hours of help each day, so I planned to have this tech work on the manufacturing team for the rest of their day.

Although our BSI Standards do not directly state the QC tech must be independent from the processes they're reviewing, I believe this is the general consensus; however I am remaining the Quality Manager and I am independent from the Manufacturing Department. I would still be the one conducting internal audits and countersigning all records etc.

Is there a conflict of interest here? It it appropriate (or can it be appropriate) to have a combo QC/Manufacturing tech or would each position need to be a separate person?

Your insight is greatly appreciated!
 

How big is the company? Personally, at our facility, we take on multiple roles...but then again there are only 5 of us. Having first hand knowledge of every inch of the building has helped me to navigate through the different areas more efficiently. In short, as long as someone is still reviewing the records and audits, I don't see a problem with it.

Ok that's good to know. We are pretty small too (less than 20 employees) and wearing multiple hats is definitely a common theme for us all. 

I wasn't sure if someone doing both roles was a hard "no", but maybe I have a little leeway here...

Thank you!

They surely can.  However, it is a slippery slope. I've been in a number of Quality Management positions where we have persons who are sort of a hybrid and the time demand isn't there for them full time in QA/QC.  You have to be very clear on the expectations of the position including priorities.  If the person has a preference for the manufacturing side they will soon develop "excuses" to spend more time on that side versus QA/QC.

What Ryan mentioned is something I see almost every time I have dealt with a swing position. It's going to take some extra management TLC to make sure it works. I currently have a sanitation (housekeeping) person who I share about 10% with maintenance and 20% of time with production. He has been vocal that he wants to move up into maintenance full time, and both myself and the maintenance manager said that was a possibility in the future.

I tracked him for a week and found he was spending 70% of time with maintenance, 0% with production, and 30% on housekeeping. I discussed his responsibilities with him, and now he's going about his housekeeping duties sulkily, barely even phoning it in. 

I almost feel like the split responsibilities gave him the wrong impression that he could pick and choose his adventure. And this isn't a 'stuck in a rut' story, he's only been here 4 months.

I have seen this too many times to count...it generally does not work long-term and only if a person is diligent and conscientious which are hard to find.  They seem even harder to find these days.

What Ryan mentioned is something I see almost every time I have dealt with a swing position. It's going to take some extra management TLC to make sure it works. I currently have a sanitation (housekeeping) person who I share about 10% with maintenance and 20% of time with production. He has been vocal that he wants to move up into maintenance full time, and both myself and the maintenance manager said that was a possibility in the future.

I tracked him for a week and found he was spending 70% of time with maintenance, 0% with production, and 30% on housekeeping. I discussed his responsibilities with him, and now he's going about his housekeeping duties sulkily, barely even phoning it in. 

I almost feel like the split responsibilities gave him the wrong impression that he could pick and choose his adventure. And this isn't a 'stuck in a rut' story, he's only been here 4 months.

I think the point is more that it isn't a conflict of interest for the person to hold 2 roles according to code. The company can be the only one to judge if the process is effective or not.

Thanks everyone. I did not consider the time management thing and how the person could potentially sway more towards the manufacturing duties and overlook some of their main QC responsibilities- that's definitely a good point! I suppose I will have to be very clear and emphasize that QC is their primary role.

Thanks again, this site is always helpful and thought provoking!