Quality Assurance Manager - Food & Beverage Production

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health, dental & vision insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development & trainings

Bonuses and annual reviews

Relocation assistance

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the QA team in Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on maintaining top quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across all products with a strong emphasis on HACCP, GMP, and ISO standards.

You will develop, implement, and optimize the QMS, manage audits and CAPA, and collaborate with Production, R&D, and Procurement to ensure ongoing quality throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in QA within food/bev manufacturing.
• Proven experience implementing and managing food safety certifications (HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRC).
• Deep knowledge of food processing, microbiology, and QC methodologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the Quality Management System (QMS) including HACCP and GMP.
• Oversee QA operations: testing, raw material inspection, finished product release.
• Ensure compliance with local and international food safety regulations.
• Lead and mentor the QA team; drive CAPA and internal audits.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Procurement to ensure quality.
• Monitor KPIs and report trends; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

QA Management

HACCP Knowledge

Regulatory Compliance

Auditing

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science / Chemistry / Microbiology

Master's preferred

Tools

QA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading company in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Quality Assurance Manager to lead their QA team in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA. This critical role ensures that all products manufactured meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the company's quality management system, overseeing all QA activities, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The hybrid nature of this role allows for effective management of both on-site operations and remote strategic planning and reporting. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in food science or a related field, extensive experience in QA management within the food industry, and a deep understanding of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, FSSC 22000). You will play a vital role in upholding the company's reputation for excellence and consumer trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the company's Quality Management System (QMS), including HACCP, GMP, and other relevant standards.
• Oversee all quality control operations, including product testing, raw material inspection, and finished product release.
• Ensure compliance with all local and international food safety regulations and standards.
• Lead and mentor the Quality Assurance team, fostering a culture of quality and accountability.
• Conduct internal audits and support external audits by regulatory bodies and customers.
• Investigate customer complaints and non-conformance issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Procurement teams to ensure product quality throughout the lifecycle.
• Monitor key quality performance indicators (KPIs) and report on trends and improvement opportunities.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in food safety science and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the quality budget and resource allocation for the QA department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in implementing and managing food safety certifications (e.g., HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRC).
• In-depth knowledge of food processing, microbiology, and quality control methodologies.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with conducting internal audits and managing CAPA systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing on-site leadership with remote strategic oversight.
• Proficiency in quality management software and standard office applications.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements impacting the food industry.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Leadership role in a respected and growing company.
• Performance-based bonuses and annual salary reviews.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).