Quality Assurance Manager - Food & Beverage Production

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Laboratory facilities access

Transportation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the QA team and own the quality management system across the facility. You will drive compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 and other food safety standards, and oversee audits, testing, and CAPAs.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least 6 years in QA with 3 in management, and strong leadership and data-analysis skills. Willingness to relocate to Durban is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years experience in Quality Assurance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role within Food & Beverage.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 and related certifications.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing QA systems.
• Strong understanding of food production processes and quality control techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage QA programs and systems.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards (HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP).
• Oversee QA department operations, inspections, testing, and record-keeping.
• Lead and mentor QA team with training and performance management.
• Conduct internal audits and facilitate audits by regulators and customers.
• Investigate complaints and CAPAs.
• Monitor production for quality specifications and SOP adherence.
• Manage testing of raw materials, in-process and finished products.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production and Procurement to ensure quality from concept to shelf.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance quality and process efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Quality management

HACCP knowledge

ISO 22000 knowledge

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science / Microbiology / Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly reputable and rapidly growing company in the Food & Beverage industry, is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead their quality control and assurance efforts at their facility in Durban . This critical role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining robust quality management systems to ensure product safety, compliance, and consistency. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP, GMP, and other relevant quality standards. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of quality technicians and inspectors, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring that all products meet the highest standards before reaching consumers. This is an excellent opportunity for a quality professional to take on a leadership position and significantly impact product integrity. The position demands meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk management within the production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the company's quality assurance programs and systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations, industry standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP).
• Oversee the daily operations of the QA department, including inspections, testing, and record-keeping.
• Lead and mentor the QA team, providing training and performance management.
• Conduct internal audits and facilitate external audits by regulatory bodies and customers.
• Investigate customer complaints and product deviations, implementing corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Monitor production processes to ensure adherence to quality specifications and SOPs.
• Manage raw material, in-process, and finished product testing protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, and Procurement to ensure product quality from concept to shelf.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and process efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Quality Assurance, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role within the Food & Beverage industry.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, and other relevant food safety certifications.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing QA systems.
• Strong understanding of food production processes and quality control techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with audit procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Durban .

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance coverage.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Generous paid annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in quality management.
• Employee discount on company products.
• Stable and dynamic work environment in a growing industry.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory facilities.
• Regular health and wellness programs.
• Company-provided transportation assistance.