Quality Assurance Specialist

Top Vitae; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Vitae is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to support the QMS, implement FSSC requirements, maintain document control and promote continuous improvement across operations. You will coordinate audits, monitor performance indicators and help embed a culture of compliance throughout the site.

Required qualifications include a related diploma or degree in Quality Management or food science, with food manufacturing experience and knowledge of FSSC 22000.

Qualifications

• Relevant diploma or degree in Quality Management, Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Food manufacturing experience is essential.
• Practical experience with Quality Management Systems in a food-manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of FSSC 22000, food-safety management systems and regulatory requirements.
• Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor qualification is preferred but not required.
• Experience with internal audits, corrective actions, root-cause analysis and continuous-improvement methods.
• Experience in document control and quality-governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Drive adherence to the QMS across departments and operational areas.
• Support rollout, implementation and ongoing improvement of QMS processes.
• Coordinate and support FSSC implementation, certification readiness and continued compliance.
• Plan, conduct and report on internal audits.
• Monitor audit findings and ensure CAPAs are completed effectively and on time.
• Identify process gaps, quality risks and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Facilitate root-cause analysis and track improvements through to completion.
• Maintain document-control processes including creation, review, versioning and archiving.
• Ensure quality policies, procedures, work instructions and records comply with governance.
• Monitor quality performance indicators and prepare reports for management review.
• Promote quality awareness and provide guidance/training on QMS and FSSC requirements.
• Support external audits, customer audits and regulatory inspections.
• Collaborate with operational teams to embed a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Planning & organisation

Written & verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory interpretation

Accountability

MS Office proficiency

Education

Quality Management degree/diploma

Food Science/Technology degree

Engineering/Operations Management degree

Tools

QMS platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role Purpose

The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for supporting and strengthening the organization's Quality Management System (QMS), implementing FSSC requirements, maintaining effective document control and governance, and promoting continuous improvement across operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive adherence to the QMS across relevant departments and operational areas.

• Support the rollout, implementation and ongoing improvement of QMS processes.

• Coordinate and support FSSC implementation, certification readiness and continued compliance.

• Plan, conduct and report on internal audits.

• Monitor audit findings and ensure corrective and preventive actions are completed effectively and on time.

• Identify process gaps, quality risks and opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Facilitate root-cause analysis and track improvement initiatives through to completion.

• Maintain document-control processes, including document creation, review, approval, version control, distribution and archiving.

• Ensure quality policies, procedures, work instructions and records comply with governance requirements.

• Monitor quality performance indicators and prepare reports for management review.

• Promote quality awareness and provide guidance or training on QMS and FSSC requirements.

• Support external audits, customer audits and regulatory inspections.

• Collaborate with operational teams to embed a culture of compliance, accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant diploma or degree in Quality Management, Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline.

• Food manufacturing experience is essential.

• Practical experience working with Quality Management Systems in a food-manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of FSSC 22000, food-safety management systems and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor qualification is preferred but not required.

• Experience with internal audits, corrective actions, root-cause analysis and continuous-improvement methods.

• Experience in document control and quality-governance processes.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Sound analytical, investigative and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective planning, organisation and record-keeping skills.

• Clear written and verbal communication.

• Confidence in working across departments and influencing adherence to standards.

• Ability to interpret standards, policies and regulatory requirements.

• Strong follow-through and accountability.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic document-management or QMS platforms.

Please consider your application unsuccessful if you do not receive any feedback within two weeks of applying.