Food Safety Officer (Citrus)

Headhunters; Coega; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a knowledgeable Food Safety Officer for a client in the agricultural industry, located in Coega Industrial. The role involves overseeing food safety compliance, including HACCP and BRC standards, maintaining documentation, and conducting audits. Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree/diploma, BRC certification, and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in food safety roles. Strong auditing, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in food safety or compliance.
• Proven internal auditing and food safety system implementation experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food safety and compliance programs in citrus operations.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and BRC standards.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments.

Skills

HACCP knowledge

GMP knowledge

Strong auditing skills

Problem-solving capability

Effective communication

Education

Degree or Diploma in Food Science

BRC certification

ISO 22000 certification

Job description

Our Client in the Agricultural Industry is seeking to employ a Food Safety Officer to their team based in Coega Industrial.

Requirements:

• Degree or Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• BRC certification (essential).
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP and GMP principles.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in a food safety or compliance role, preferably within the citrus or fresh produce industry.
• Proven experience in internal auditing and food safety system implementation.
• ISO certification experience, particularly ISO 22000.
• Exposure to SQF or similar Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards.
• Experience working in export-focused or audit-intensive environments.
• Strong auditing and compliance management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High attention to detail with strong documentation control abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Practical, hands‑on approach to food safety implementation.

Responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Oversee and manage food safety and compliance programs across citrus packing, processing, and handling operations.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety standards, including HACCP, GMP, and BRC requirements.
• Conduct internal audits, risk assessments, and corrective action follow‑ups to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Prepare for and support external audits (customer, certification, and regulatory audits).
• Maintain and update food safety documentation, procedures, and records.
• Identify food safety risks and implement preventive and corrective actions.
• Train and support operational teams on food safety standards, hygiene, and best practices.
• Investigate non‑conformances, customer complaints, and food safety incidents, ensuring effective root cause analysis and resolution.
• Stay up to date with changes in food safety legislation, certification standards, and industry best practices.

Please note that should you not receive a response within 2 weeks of applying, you may consider your application unsuccessful.