About the Role
Our client, a prominent player in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Quality Control Manager to oversee operations at their facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role is responsible for ensuring that all products manufactured meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food science, quality management systems, and regulatory affairs within the food production sector. You will lead a team of QC professionals, driving initiatives to maintain and improve product integrity from raw material sourcing to finished goods. This is a challenging yet rewarding position that offers the opportunity to significantly impact product excellence and consumer trust. You will be pivotal in maintaining our client's reputation for quality in the competitive Durban market.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality management systems (QMS) compliant with relevant food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000).
- Oversee all quality control activities, including raw material inspection, in-process testing, and finished product analysis.
- Manage and mentor the Quality Control team, providing training, performance management, and guidance.
- Conduct regular internal audits and facilitate external audits by regulatory bodies and customers.
- Investigate customer complaints and non-conformances, implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and track their effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with all national and international food safety regulations and labeling requirements.
- Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Procurement departments to address quality issues and implement improvements.
- Monitor key quality metrics and generate regular reports for senior management.
- Champion a culture of quality throughout the organization.
- Stay updated on the latest trends and regulatory changes in the food industry.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in quality assurance or quality control within the food manufacturing industry.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing and managing food safety certifications (HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000).
- Strong knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, and processing techniques.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent understanding of regulatory requirements for food products.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Benefits
- Our client provides a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and performance-related bonuses.
- We invest in our employees' professional growth through ongoing training, development programs, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.
- Additional perks include generous annual leave and subsidized meals.
- You will work in a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. A supportive and collaborative work environment fosters innovation and teamwork.
- This role offers the chance to lead quality initiatives for a respected brand in the South African food industry.