Job Description
Our client, a well-established FMCG manufacturing company based in Mayville, Durban, is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the Quality Assurance function.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory standards while driving continuous improvement across the business
Key Responsibilities
Food Safety & Quality Management
Lead and continuously improve the Food Safety Management System
Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, GHP and applicable South African food legislation
Lead the Food Safety Team and drive a strong food safety culture
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Ensure all products consistently meet customer specifications, legal requirements and internal quality standards
Manage certification, customer and internal audits, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions
Oversee HACCP, Food Defence (TACCP), Food Fraud (VACCP), allergen management and traceability programmes
Quality Control & Laboratory
Oversee raw material, in-process and finished product quality control
Manage laboratory testing, product release, environmental monitoring and shelf-life verification
Supplier & Customer Quality
Manage supplier approval, audits and performance
Act as the technical contact for customer quality matters, including complaints, audits and product specifications
Continuous Improvement
Drive continuous improvement through KPI monitoring, trend analysis, CAPA, Root Cause Analysis and process optimisation
Maintain quality documentation and electronic quality management systems
Leadership
Lead, coach and develop the Quality Assurance team
Promote a culture of accountability, compliance and continuous improvement across the organisation
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or a related field
Experience
Minimum 5 years' experience in FMCG food manufacturing
Minimum 3 years' experience in a Quality Assurance leadership role
Proven experience with FSSC 22000, HACCP and Food Safety Management Systems
Experience leading internal, external and customer audits
Advantageous
Experience within seasoning, spice, ingredient or dry blending manufacturing
Private label and export manufacturing experience
Knowledge & Skills
Food Safety Management Systems
FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP & GHP
Root Cause Analysis and CAPA
Internal Auditing
Food Defence (TACCP) & Food Fraud (VACCP)
Regulatory compliance
Strong leadership and people management
Excellent communication and analytical skills
Microsoft Office and ERP systems (Odoo advantageous)
Preferred Certifications
HACCP Team Leader
Internal Auditor
FSSC 22000
GMP
Food Defence & Food Fraud
Allergen Management
Food Safety Culture
Traceability & Recall
Additional qualifications such as ISO Lead Auditor, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or Project Management will be advantageous
Key Performance Indicators
Success in this role will be measured by:
Maintaining FSSC 22000 certification
Successful audit outcomes
Reduction in customer complaints and quality incidents
Effective implementation of corrective actions
Continuous improvement in food safety, quality and operational performance
Working Conditions
Office environment
Production environment
Warehouse environment.
Regular walking through production areas
Occasional lifting of product samples (up to 15 kg)
Exposure to spices, seasonings, dust and food manufacturing environments
Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, contract manufacturers and certification bodies
Authority
The Quality Assurance Manager has the authority to:
Stop production where food safety is compromised
Reject non-conforming raw materials or finished products
Place stock on hold pending investigation
Initiate corrective and preventive actions
Recommend supplier suspension where food safety or qualify standards are not met
Escalate significant food safety risks to the Managing Director