Head Of Quality Assurance And Food Safety

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

Job summary

A leading food safety organization in Durban is seeking a Head of Product Quality Assurance. In this role, you will develop and execute a comprehensive QA & Food Safety strategy to ensure compliance with regulations. Responsibilities include establishing Quality Management Systems, overseeing supplier quality, managing food safety incidents, and analyzing QA data. Candidates must have strong technical experience in a processed meat factory environment, along with expertise in food safety compliance and quality systems management. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience in a processed meat factory environment is essential.
• Deep understanding of food safety risks and compliance requirements.
• Experience overseeing product quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute QA & Food Safety strategy.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality regulations.
• Establish and maintain an integrated Quality Management System.
• Oversee supplier quality standards and incident management.
• Manage testing programmes and analyze QA data.
• Develop training programs for QA and Food Safety.

Skills

Processed meat production knowledge

Food safety compliance

Quality management systems expertise

Incident management

Data analytics

Tools

FSSC systems management

Job description

Job Overview

As a key member of our organisation, the Head of Product Quality Assurance plays a crucial role in developing and overseeing robust Quality Assurance systems across the organisation.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the organisation's QA & Food Safety strategy to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry requirements.

Drive long-term improvements that reduce recalls, severe incidents, and operational risks through effective incident management and supplier quality oversight.

Quality Management Systems

Establish and maintain an integrated Quality Management System (QMS) that aligns with organisational goals.

Oversee internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall performance.

Governance, Compliance & Regulation

Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations related to food safety and quality.

Lead governance oversight, audits, surveys, and corrective / preventive action plans to mitigate risks.

Supplier & Product Quality Oversight

Oversee supplier quality standards for national brands, confined label products, service providers, and GNFR to ensure adherence to organisational standards.

Lead investigation and management of all product quality and food safety incidents, including withdrawals and recalls.

Product Testing & Data Analytics

Manage microbiological, chemical, and physical testing programmes to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Analyse QA data to drive improvements and inform decision-making.

Training & Capability Building

Develop and oversee QA and Food Safety training across the organisation to enhance knowledge and skills.

Additional Technical Requirement : Processed Meat Factory Experience

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).