Quality Control & Fruit Grading Manager

EnableSA Recruitment; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm is looking for an experienced Quality Control & Fruit Grading Manager to join a team in Gqeberha. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and a background in food safety, citrus processing, and fruit grading. Responsibilities include ensuring product quality and compliance, managing QC teams, and aiding continuous improvement efforts. A Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 5 years in quality control management within the food industry are required. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards in a busy production environment.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 qualification required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in quality control management within the food industry.
• Knowledge of HACCP and GMP principles is a must.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all final products meet quality standards.
• Monitor QC processes and manage the quality team.
• Conduct internal audits and support food safety initiatives.

Skills

Leadership skills

Quality control processes

Fruit grading experience

Food safety knowledge

Continuous improvement

Education

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

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Quality Control & Fruit Grading Manager to join their Coega, Port Elizabeth team. This role is ideal for a quality professional with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of food safety, citrus processing, and—most importantly—fruit grading. You will play a key role in ensuring that all products meet rigorous quality standards, overseeing QC processes from raw material inspection through to final product sign‑off. If you have solid experience in fruit grading and a passion for driving continuous improvement in a fast‑paced production environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring that all final products are in-spec in every respect (within the boundaries of available resources & of control maintained by Production).
• Liaise with management on daily production plans.
• Liaising with QA:QMS Manager & NPD specialist on new & repeat orders.
• Monitoring processes & PRP’s for adherence to quality & food safety.
• Monitoring & managing QC inspection of incoming raw materials.
• Monitoring & managing QC in-process laboratory inspection.
• Monitoring & managing Line sorting (accurate in-spec vs. re-work & waste).
• Random monitoring of product blending & preparation.
• Random monitoring of dosing process aids & sanitizers.
• Manage subordinates within the Quality Department.
• Manage QC activities including, Incoming raw material inspection, In-process product & processing aids inspection, Line inspection, Waste verification inspection, and Trimming
• Review & sign off on the following records.
• Manage QC implementation & training.
• Build trend analysis information as identified & required by Management, for purposes of continuous improvement related to commercial, food safety & QMS considerations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by reviewing QMS documentation in relation to activities – provide input where documentation can be improved to more accurately reflect activities or improve information available from such activities.
• Assist the Food Safety Team in matters of quality & food safety.
• Conduct Internal Audits as a member of the Internal Audits team.
• Monitor and report on compliance of loading and relevant QC functions.

Requirements

• Grade 12.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in quality control management within the citrus / food industry.
• Fruit grading experience essential.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, and GMP principles.
• Proficient in MS Office.