Quality Assurance Manager - Food & Beverage Production

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

Performance bonus incentives

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

International training opportunities

Generous annual leave

Employee assistance program

Transport for site visits

Collaborative work culture

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager in Cape Town to lead QA across all production lines. You will implement and maintain robust quality systems, ensuring products meet national and international safety and quality standards. The role requires a meticulous, data-driven leader who can drive continuous improvement company-wide.

You will mentor the QA team, manage audits, and collaborate with R&D, Production and Supply Chain to embed quality in product development and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in Quality Assurance within Food & Beverage.
• Experience with HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP and related safety systems.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with South African food regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage QA programs and SOPs across production.
• Oversee QC activities: raw material, in-process, and finished product tests.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000 and local standards.
• Lead and mentor the QA team with training and development.
• Coordinate internal and external audits by regulators and customers.
• Investigate complaints and CAPA to drive improvements.
• Monitor quality metrics and report to senior management.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production and Supply Chain on quality in new products.

Skills

Quality management

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Quality management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent player in the Food & Beverage production sector, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead their quality control initiatives. This pivotal role is based in Cape Town, Western Cape , and is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust quality management systems across all production lines. The successful candidate will ensure that all products meet stringent national and international standards for safety, efficacy, and customer satisfaction. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the quality framework of a respected company and contribute significantly to its reputation for excellence. You will champion a culture of quality throughout the organization, driving continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. The role requires a meticulous approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to foster collaboration across departments. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of food safety protocols and a passion for delivering superior product quality. This is a chance to take ownership of the quality function and drive impactful change within a dynamic industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive quality assurance programs and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee all quality control activities, including raw material inspection, in-process checks, and finished product testing.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, such as HACCP, ISO 22000, and local health standards.
• Lead and mentor the QA team, providing training and development opportunities to enhance their skills.
• Conduct internal audits and manage external audits from regulatory bodies and customers.
• Investigate customer complaints and non-conformance issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Monitor key quality metrics and prepare detailed reports for senior management.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality is integrated into new product development and operational processes.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes impacting food safety and quality management.
• Promote a company-wide culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance within the Food & Beverage industry.
• Demonstrated experience with HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP, and other relevant food safety management systems.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in quality management software and standard office tools.
• Familiarity with South African food regulations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for international training and professional growth.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to employee assistance programs.
• Company-provided transport for site visits.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Potential for advancement within a growing organization.