Food Safety Compliance Manager

Rite Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a QA Manager in Johannesburg, South Africa to oversee food safety and compliance in a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has a degree in Food Science, 5 years of factory QA experience, and proven management skills. Responsibilities include leading audits and ensuring product quality. Competitive candidates will possess a strong leadership ethos and a drive for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in a factory QA environment.
• At least 5 years in a management role in food manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Ensure robust food safety and quality systems.
• Lead all external audits and drive corrective actions.
• Act as the technical contact for customers.

Skills

Food Safety Leadership

Audit Management

Customer Engagement

Continuous Improvement

Complaint Management

Positive Release

Education

Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline

Advanced training in Food Safety Systems (HACCP, FSSC, SQMS)

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Food Safety Leadership — Be the guardian of food safety, quality, and compliance ensuring robust systems that inspire consumer trust.
• Audit & Compliance Management — Lead all external and customer audits, drive corrective actions, and keep systems aligned with changing standards.
• Customer Engagement — Act as the technical contact point for customers and auditors. Strengthen relationships by providing solutions and consistency.
• Continuous Improvement — Partner with Production and NPD to resolve issues, reduce conflict, and align technical standards with operational realities.
• Complaint Management — Investigate and close out complaints within agreed timelines, ensuring root causes are addressed.
• Positive Release — Authorize release of conforming products and champion zero non-conformance.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline.
• Advanced training in Food Safety Systems (HACCP, FSSC, SQMS, etc.).
• Minimum 5 years experience in a factory QA environment, with a proven track record.
• At least 5 years in a management role with exposure to complex food manufacturing.

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of auditing techniques, compliance requirements, and food safety best practices.
• Proven ability to resolve internal challenges and bring cross-functional teams together.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Resilient, organised, and able to perform under pressure.
• Customer-focused with a mindset for innovation and continuous improvement.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documentation:

• CV
• Qualifications
• 2 x most recent payslips

Only candidates meeting the specified criteria will be considered

If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful. We thank all applicants for their interest.