About the Role
Our client, a renowned leader in the food manufacturing industry, is seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Quality Assurance Manager to join their operations in George, Western Cape. This pivotal role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of food safety standards, quality control methodologies, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust quality assurance systems to ensure the highest product integrity and customer satisfaction. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence quality across the entire production lifecycle and to lead a dedicated QA team within a respected organization. You will play a crucial role in upholding the company's reputation for excellence and safety in the competitive food market.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive quality assurance programs and procedures for food production.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
- Conduct regular internal audits and inspections to assess adherence to quality protocols and identify areas for improvement.
- Manage and mentor the Quality Assurance team, providing training and guidance to ensure high performance.
- Investigate customer complaints and product quality issues, implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Oversee product testing and analysis, working with laboratory personnel to verify product specifications.
- Collaborate with R&D, production, and supply chain departments to integrate quality considerations throughout the product lifecycle.
- Maintain all QA documentation, including SOPs, records, and audit reports, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in food quality assurance.
- Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the organization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance, with at least 3 years in a management role within the food manufacturing industry.
- Extensive knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems (e.g., HACCP, GMP, ISO), and audit procedures.
- Proven experience in leading and developing QA teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency in QA software and standard office productivity tools.
- Demonstrated ability to implement and manage change effectively.
- Experience with specific food production processes relevant to the company's product lines is a strong asset.
- A commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety and quality.
Benefits
- This role comes with a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a generous pension scheme, and performance-based bonuses.
- Our client values employee growth and offers significant opportunities for professional development, continuous training, and attending industry conferences.
- Employees in George, Western Cape benefit from a supportive work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork, along with access to modern facilities.