Manager: Quality & Process

MECS Africa; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

MECS Africa seeks a Quality, Laboratory and Process Engineering leader to drive excellence in a high-volume manufacturing environment. You will oversee blending, filling and packaging, lead CAPA investigations, and push Lean/Six Sigma initiatives across operations.

Based in South Africa, the role requires a strong background in quality control/assurance, ISO standards, and team leadership to deliver process improvements and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng in Mechanical, Chemical or Process Engineering or science degree with Quality Control/Assurance.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Quality Control/Assurance within a petroleum, petrochemical or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of plant and equipment operations and product technical requirements.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma.
• Proven experience working with customers and suppliers.
• Sound knowledge of analytical techniques and ISO quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality, Laboratory and Process Engineering functions.
• Drive continuous improvement across blending, filling and packaging operations.
• Optimise processes, reduce variation and minimise manufacturing losses.
• Monitor process capability, product conformity and quality performance.
• Lead CAPA and root-cause investigations.
• Drive process standardisation, Lean/Six Sigma and best-practice implementation.
• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness through quality and process improvements.
• Develop and manage laboratory and process engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with SHE requirements, ISO management systems and quality standards.
• Lead quality, safety and environmental audits.
• Manage customer quality concerns and provide technical support.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve raw material quality.
• Support customer and regulatory audits.
• Provide quality and process performance reporting to senior management.
• Lead cross-functional improvement and strategic projects.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Quality control

Process engineering

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

IT proficiency

Education

BSc/BEng in Mechanical, Chemical or Process Engineering

Science degree with Quality Control/Assurance

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

The successful candidate will ensure products consistently meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements and quality standards, while driving process optimisation, reducing waste and improving overall operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Quality, Laboratory and Process Engineering functions.
• Drive continuous improvement across blending, filling and packaging operations.
• Optimise processes, reduce variation and minimise manufacturing losses.
• Monitor process capability, product conformity and quality performance.
• Lead CAPA and root-cause investigations.
• Drive process standardisation, Lean/Six Sigma and best-practice implementation.
• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness through quality and process improvements.
• Develop and manage laboratory and process engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with SHE requirements, ISO management systems and quality standards.
• Lead quality, safety and environmental audits.
• Manage customer quality concerns and provide technical support.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve raw material quality.
• Support customer and regulatory audits.
• Provide quality and process performance reporting to senior management.
• Lead cross-functional improvement and strategic projects.

Minimum Requirements

• BSc/BEng in Mechanical, Chemical or Process Engineering, or a Bachelor’s degree in Science with Quality Control/Assurance.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Quality Control/Assurance within a petroleum, petrochemical or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of plant and equipment operations and product technical requirements.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma.
• Proven experience working with customers and suppliers.
• Sound knowledge of analytical and instrumental techniques.
• Strong understanding of quality control procedures, ISO systems and relevant legal standards.
• Excellent analytical, planning, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• High level of computer literacy and technical/IT proficiency.

If you are a quality and process professional with strong petrochemical or lubricant manufacturing experience and a passion for operational excellence, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful quality and process transformation within a high-volume manufacturing environment.