Food Safety Officer

University of Fort Hare; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An established producer of high-quality dairy products is seeking a dedicated Food Safety Officer to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The role requires hands-on leadership in maintaining quality management systems and oversight of production practices. Ideal candidates will have a background in Food Science, extensive QA experience, and skills in HACCP and GMP. This position offers the opportunity to grow within the company while actively participating in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Food Science or similar.
• Minimum 5 years' QA experience in food manufacturing.
• Proficiency in MS Office and QA systems.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain Food Safety Management Systems.
• Lead HACCP implementation and conduct audits.
• Oversee GMP practices and manage non-conformances.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Management

Food Safety Audits

Problem Solving

Food Technology Knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification in Food Science / Food Technology

Tools

MS Office

QA/ERP systems

Job description

Paarl Region: My client, an established producer of high-quality dairy products, is seeking to employ an experienced, dedicated Food Safety Officer to join their dynamic and passionate team.

Purpose of the Role: To ensure that all products meet the highest standards of quality, food safety, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements by implementing, maintaining, and improving the Food Safety and Quality Management System. This includes leading the Production Team to support operational excellence, maintaining a strong presence in the various production areas, and focusing on a hands-on approach in the role, promoting a collaborative work culture in line with the farm's values. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food, have a can-do attitude, and demonstrate a commitment to ownership, accountability and loyalty, with the possibility of growing into a managerial role with the business over time.

Key Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To

• Implementing and maintaining Food Safety Management Systems
• Leading HACCP implementation and conducting audits, including IBL (Woolworths), FSA, and ZA
• Overseeing GMP practices, risk management, and regulatory compliance
• Ensuring certification readiness –and documentation accuracy at all times
• Leading and developing the Production Team, including training and competency monitoring
• Managing non-conformances, customer complaints, and product release verification
• Preparing food safety and quality reports, conducting trend analysis, and ensuring clear, transparent communication across departments
• Participating in traceability exercises, recalls, and risk mitigation processes
• Overseeing procurement and quality of ingredients and packaging materials
• Maintaining accurate product costing records
• Actively engaging in the production environment and offering support to other departments as needed in a small, dynamic, team-based setting
• Contributing to a positive, high-energy team culture with a zest for life and farming community values

Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in Food Science / Food Technology or similar
• Minimum 5 years' QA experience in food manufacturing (dairy/cheese advantageous)
• Proven experience with HACCP, GMP, and Food Safety audits (e.g. IBL, FSA, ZA)
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communications skills for interacting with colleagues, suppliers and occasionally customers
• High level of energy, versatility, and willingness to take initiative beyond formal job scope
• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset with the ability to work under pressure
• Passion for food and appreciation for a collaborative, family-oriented work culture
• Willingness to support ad-hoc operational needs in a hands-on, farm-based setting
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); QA/ERP system experience an advantage
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel occasionally
• Fluency in English and a very good command of Afrikaans

CANDIDATES WHO LIVE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO PAARL ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE