QA Technician/ Hygienist

University of Fort Hare; Umlazi, Durban; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A food manufacturing company in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a QA Technician/Hygienist. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with food safety regulations, lead hygiene teams, and conduct monitoring to uphold quality standards. Candidates should have a diploma in Food Science or similar, and training in HACCP and GMP is preferred. This role is critical to maintaining high-quality products and ensuring hygiene throughout the food production process.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 qualification.
• 0-2 years of experience in a similar position or 3 years of experience without qualifications.
• Must be trained in HACCP, GMP, and internal auditing.

Responsibilities

• Lead hygiene teams and ensure they are trained to perform safely.
• Conduct microbiological testing and inspections.
• Monitor food handling practices to prevent cross-contamination.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections and audits.

Skills

HACCP training

GMP training

Internal auditing

Team leadership

Education

Diploma or Degree in Food Science/Food Technology

BSc in Microbiology

Job description

Overview

South Africa - KwaZulu Natal , eThekwini Central (Durban / Pinetown / Umlazi)

Our client is in Food Manufacturing based in Pinetown. They are looking for a QA Technician/ Hygienist to join their team. The successful candidate will be instrumental in upholding stringent quality and safety standards, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and supporting the delivery of high quality products. This role is critical to maintaining their commitment to excellence in quality assurance and food safety. The QA Technician/Hygienist will report directly to the Quality and Food Safety Manager and will be responsible for conducting monitoring compliance, hygienist duties and managing documentation to support organisational objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12.
• Diploma or Degree in Food Science/ Food Technology/ BSc in Microbiology or any other
• 0-2 years of experience in a similar position OR without qualifications 3 years of experience in a similar position (RPL).
• Training in HACCP, GMP, and internal auditing is often a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and motivating hygiene teams (including Pest Control and Cleaning Service Providers), ensuring staff are adequately trained and equipped to perform their duties effectively and safely. This role covers the entire company operations.
• Leading or overseeing microbiological testing to identify pathogens and assess the effectiveness of hygiene measures.
• Regularly inspecting areas, equipment, and processes to ensure adherence to hygiene standards, addressing any lapses promptly and consistently.
• Ensuring food safety by controlling hygiene in food processing areas, monitoring food handling practices, and preventing cross-contamination.
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment in food production facilities, preventing food-acquired contaminations, and promoting hand hygiene across the factory plant.
• Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene in public areas, such as restrooms, canteen facilities, and ablutions to protect employees and ultimately prevent cross contamination into production areas.
• Working closely with relevant parties to create strategies and address specific issues.
• Providing training to staff, promoting awareness of best practices, and fostering a culture of hygiene, quality and food safety within the organisation.
• Identifying potential hazards related to your role and implementing control measures to mitigate potential risks.
• Ensuring that practices and procedures comply with relevant regulations and guidelines within your scope.
• Maintaining accurate records of inspections, audits, and any corrective actions taken.
• Working with other teams and departments to integrate practices or actions into overall operations and communicate related information effectively.
• Identifying opportunities to improve current practices and implement strategies to enhance both.
• Non-conformance generation, reporting and close-out
• Any ad hoc duties