Quality Assurance Manager - Food & Beverage

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 currently seeks a Quality Assurance Manager for a leading food and beverage manufacturing facility in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead the QA team, develop and maintain QA programs, and ensure adherence to HACCP, GMP, and FSSC 22000 standards.

You will conduct internal and supplier audits, manage CAPA, and supervise lab testing. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to drive food safety and regulatory compliance across all products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5–7+ years in quality assurance within food and beverage manufacturing.
• Experience with HACCP, GMP, and GFSI schemes (FSSC 22000).
• Proven experience conducting audits and managing CAPA.
• Strong microbiological and chemical testing knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in quality management software and MS Office.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Experience with recalls and crisis management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage QA/QC programs for all products.
• Ensure compliance with national and international food safety regs and standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000).
• Conduct internal and supplier audits to assess compliance and improvements.
• Manage CAPA process including investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Oversee laboratory testing and timely reporting of results.
• Train and mentor QA personnel to foster a quality mindset.
• Review product specifications, labeling, and packaging for compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, and Procurement to embed quality.
• Manage product traceability and handle quality-related inquiries.

Skills

Leadership

Audits

CAPA

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Quality management software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding and innovative leader in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, is seeking a diligent and experienced Quality Assurance Manager to oversee quality systems at their state-of-the-art facility in Centurion, Gauteng . This critical role ensures that all products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The QA Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust quality assurance programs, conducting audits, and leading the QA team. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of food safety protocols, HACCP, GMP, and relevant international standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the quality culture and contribute to the sustained growth of a respected brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programs for all food and beverage products.
• Ensure compliance with national and international food safety regulations, standards (e.g., FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, ISO 9001), and customer specifications.
• Conduct internal audits and supplier audits to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage the product non-conformance process, including investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Oversee laboratory testing and analysis procedures, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of results.
• Train and mentor QA personnel, fostering a strong quality-focused mindset throughout the organization.
• Review and approve product specifications, labeling, and packaging materials for compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, and Procurement teams to ensure quality is integrated into product development and manufacturing processes.
• Manage product traceability systems and handle customer inquiries and complaints related to quality.

Requirements

• Requirements Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in quality assurance within the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of HACCP, GMP, GFSI schemes (e.g., FSSC 22000), and other relevant food safety standards.
• Proven experience in conducting audits and managing CAPA systems.
• Strong understanding of microbiological and chemical testing methods.
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in quality management software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with product recalls and crisis management is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, including performance incentives. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, a retirement savings plan, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and career advancement within a leading food manufacturing company are readily available. This role offers the flexibility of remote work, with occasional site visits to the Centurion, Gauteng facility as needed. Join a team dedicated to excellence and innovation in the food industry.