Quality Control Manager

Kemin; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Kemin in Johannesburg, South Africa, is seeking a Quality Control Manager to lead the QC function and ensure accurate, reliable laboratory testing that supports product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The role oversees laboratory operations, team development, quality systems, CAPA, and product release.

You will drive LabVantage LIMS optimization, data integrity, and reporting while aligning with GMP and food/feed safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, or laboratory management.
• Previous supervisory or people management experience.
• Experience within manufacturing, food, feed, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the Quality Control team to deliver high-quality laboratory services.
• Oversee laboratory operations, resource planning, testing activities, and turnaround times.
• Manage and optimize the LabVantage LIMS to improve data integrity, traceability, workflow efficiency, and reporting.
• Maintain QC quality systems, documentation, procedures, training programs, and document control processes.
• Review laboratory results, approve Certificates of Analysis, and support raw material and finished product release.
• Lead investigations into non-conforming products, laboratory deviations, complaints, and out-of-specification results; formulate rework plans with operations.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement CAPA.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of findings.
• Manage laboratory equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance, and validation activities.
• Develop and monitor QC KPIs, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations, QA, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams on quality-related projects.
• Promote laboratory safety and a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

Data integrity

Cross-functional collaboration

LabVantage

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, Biochemistry, Animal Science, or related field

Tools

LabVantage

M3

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Quality Control Manager leads the Quality Control function, ensuring the delivery of accurate, reliable, and compliant laboratory testing services that support product quality, food/feed safety, and regulatory requirements. The role is responsible for laboratory operations, team leadership, quality systems, non-conformance management, product release, and continuous improvement initiatives, while overseeing the implementation and optimization of the LabVantage Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the Quality Control team to deliver high-quality laboratory services.
• Oversee laboratory operations, resource planning, testing activities, and turnaround times.
• Manage and optimize the LabVantage LIMS to improve data integrity, traceability, workflow efficiency, and reporting.
• Maintain QC quality systems, documentation, procedures, training programs, and document control processes.
• Review laboratory results, approve Certificates of Analysis, and support raw material and finished product release.
• Lead investigations into non-conforming products, laboratory deviations, complaints, and out-of-specification results. Work with operations to formulate a rework plan
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems, GMP, food/feed safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of findings.
• Manage laboratory equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance, and validation activities.
• Develop and monitor QC KPIs, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations, QA, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams on quality-related projects and product commercialization activities.
• Promote laboratory safety, 5S+1 practices, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, Biochemistry, Animal Science, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, or laboratory management.
• Previous supervisory or people management experience.
• Experience within manufacturing, food, feed, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industries.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Project management and continuous improvement expertise.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of quality systems, food/feed safety standards, and laboratory best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, M3, LabVantage, and related business systems.
• Adaptability and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and servant leadership principles.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment, including lifting up to 25kg, frequent standing/walking, and exposure to typical laboratory conditions.
• Based in Johannesburg, South Africa.