Head Of Product Quality Assurance

Boxer Superstores; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Head of Product Quality Assurance to develop and implement robust quality assurance and food safety systems. The successful candidate will ensure product compliance, effective incident management, and oversight of supplier quality. This role requires a BTech Degree in Food Technology, 10 years' experience in the FMCG Food Industry, and strong knowledge of food safety regulations. Ideal candidates should have processed meat factory experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' FMCG Food Industry experience, with at least 5 years in Retail.
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety & Hygiene regulations (FDCA, HACCP, etc.).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking capability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organisation's QA & Food Safety strategy.
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations.
• Oversee supplier quality standards and incidents management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving capability

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

BTech Degree in Food Technology

Job description

Job title: Head of Product Quality Assurance

Job Location: KwaZulu-Natal, Durban · Deadline: December 22

Key Purpose of the Role

To develop, implement and oversee robust Quality Assurance (QA) and food safety systems across the organisation, ensuring product compliance, effective incident management, strong supplier quality oversight, and alignment with regulatory and industry requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• BTech Degree in Food Technology (or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years' FMCG Food Industry experience, including at least 5 years in Retail.
• Minimum 5 years' senior management experience.
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety & Hygiene regulations (FDCA, HACCP, PAS96, PRPs, GFSI).
• Understanding of ISO standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and strategic thinking capability.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience with processed meat is required.

Stakeholder Engagement

You will work closely with stakeholders at all levels—from store teams to Group Executives—as well as regulators, suppliers, laboratories, government bodies, and industry forums.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the organisation's QA & Food Safety strategy.
• Drive long‑term improvements that reduce recalls, severe incidents, and operational risks.

Quality Management Systems

• Establish and maintain an integrated Quality Management System (QMS).
• Oversee internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Governance, Compliance & Regulation

• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations.
• Lead governance oversight, audits, surveys, and corrective/preventive action plans.

Supplier & Product Quality Oversight

• Oversee supplier quality standards for national brands, confined label products, service providers and GNFR.
• Lead investigation and management of all product quality and food safety incidents, including full accountability for withdrawals and recalls.

Product Testing & Data Analytics

• Manage microbiological, chemical, and physical testing programmes.
• Analyse QA data and trends to drive improvements and inform decision‑making.

Training & Capability Building

• Develop and oversee QA and Food Safety training across the organisation.

Additional Technical Requirement : Processed Meat Factory Experience

Given Boxer's operational environment and product mix, candidates must demonstrate strong technical experience within a processed meat factory environment, including:

• Deep understanding of processed meat production, food safety risks, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing product quality systems (FSSC).

Assist the factory Quality Assurance Manager on all related quality assurance, incident investigations, and supplier/production facility compliance.

Deadline: 22nd December