Quality Assurance Manager - Food Manufacturing

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Wellness programs

Industry leader

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager for our client, a leading food production company in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead QA/QC, develop and maintain QMS/HACCP, and ensure regulatory compliance to safeguard product safety and brand integrity.

You will mentor the QA/QC team, collaborate with production and procurement, and report KPIs to senior management in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 5+ years in Quality Assurance in food manufacturing, incl. 2+ years in a managerial role.
• Deep knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000).
• Experience developing and implementing QMS and HACCP plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain QMS and HACCP plans.
• Oversee QA/QC activities from raw materials to finished product.
• Ensure compliance with national and international regulations.
• Conduct internal audits and coordinate external audits.
• Investigate complaints and drive CAPA actions.
• Mentor QA/QC team and provide training.
• Collaborate with production and procurement to uphold quality.
• Monitor quality data and report KPIs to management.
• Stay updated on new regulations and best practices.
• Manage supplier quality assurance programs.

Skills

Quality assurance leadership

Food safety knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Laboratory testing

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 leading food production company, is seeking an experienced and meticulous Quality Assurance Manager to oversee quality control and assurance systems at their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role is paramount to maintaining the highest standards of product safety, quality, and compliance within the food manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive QA strategies, ensuring adherence to national and international food safety regulations, and driving a culture of quality throughout the organization. This is a critical position for ensuring consumer trust and brand reputation. Located in the industrial hub of Richards Bay, this role offers a significant opportunity to impact a key part of the food supply chain in KwaZulu-Natal. We are dedicated to producing safe and high-quality food products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and HACCP plans.
• Oversee all quality control activities, including raw material inspection, in-process testing, and finished product analysis.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations (e.g., FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP).
• Conduct regular internal audits and facilitate external audits by regulatory bodies and customers.
• Investigate customer complaints and non-conformance issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Manage and mentor the QA/QC team, providing training and development opportunities.
• Collaborate with production and procurement teams to ensure quality standards are met at all stages.
• Monitor and analyze quality data, reporting on key performance indicators to senior management.
• Stay abreast of new regulations and industry best practices in food safety and quality assurance.
• Manage supplier quality assurance programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Quality Assurance within the food manufacturing industry, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing QMS and HACCP plans.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with laboratory testing procedures and equipment.
• Proficiency in using quality management software and MS Office.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Opportunity to work with a reputable leader in the food industry.
• A dynamic and safety-conscious work environment.
• Company-sponsored wellness initiatives.