Quality & Food Safety Manager

JustTheJob.co.za; Springs; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company is seeking a Site Quality & Food Safety Manager in Springs, South Africa. The role involves driving Quality & Food Safety programs, leading the team, and collaborating with various departments. Candidates should have extensive manufacturing experience and knowledge in food safety practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7-10 years' broad manufacturing experience.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Leadership and communication skills with diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Drive implementation of Quality & Food Safety programs.
• Develop Quality & Food Safety improvement strategic plans.
• Lead and support the Site Quality & Food Safety organization.

Skills

Knowledge of food law

Food technology

Food chemistry

Microbiology

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Post-graduate studies in Manufacturing or Food Technology

Job description

Quality & Food Safety Manager - Springs

Role Description

Title: Site Quality & Food Safety Manager, Springs, South Africa

Function & Business Unit: Supply Chain – MENAT-SSA BU

Reports to: Springs Plant Director; (dotted) Senior QFS Manager SSA-JV

Global Level: GL4

Purpose of the role

• QFS single point of contact for Springs, South Africa, driving implementation of Kellanova Quality & Food Safety programs, policies and procedures.
• Actively owns and drives the creation, implementation, promotion and improvement of the Quality and Food Safety culture in Springs Plant.
• Provide Leadership in Quality and Food Safety to support top-line and bottom-line growth through key partnerships across the Supply Chain.
• Partner closely with Plant Operations, R&D & Procurement.
• Collaborate with regional QFS teams – KWS Quality, Sanitation, Food Safety, Auditing / Supplier development – to ensure consistency in QFS programs.

Working Relationships

• Internal Contacts: Reports to Springs Plant Director; (dotted line) Senior QFS Manager SSA-JV. Supervises: 3 direct reports. Peers: Springs Plant Leadership Team.
• External Contacts: Kellanova markets served by the plant / supply chain (consumers, customers, distributors); Government bodies; External laboratories; Consumers with product quality complaints; Suppliers providing materials and services to the plant and supply chain.

Main KPIs

• Recall / Withdrawal / inadvertent release, Quality & Food Safety Incident reduction, Consumer Complaint reduction, Foreign Material Complaint reduction, 7 Core Audit scores, QFS-related write-offs, KWS progression, Sanitation metrics, Pest Control, Regulatory Compliance, Allergen validations, EMP.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and support the Site Quality & Food Safety Organization and support Plant Leadership Team in implementing an effective Quality and Food Safety system across Springs plant to meet business expectations and legislative requirements.
• Develop a Quality & Food Safety improvement strategic plan for Springs plant based on Global / AMEA QFS Strategic Plans, integrated with the Plant CBN, and support the Plant Leadership team to implement.
• Own and drive the implementation & progression of the KWS QFS Program.
• Promote the creation, implementation, promotion and improvement of the Quality and Food Safety culture through campaigns, QFS engagement activities and recognition programs.
• Identify and address QFS gaps in Springs and implement global/regional best practices in QFS systems to drive business performance.
• Close gaps identified by facility audits; recognize and address deficiencies in programs, products, services, and designs with structural improvements.
• Own the Plant GMP, HACCP, Sanitation (incl EMP / Allergen validation) & Pest Control Programs and ensure maximum compliance through improvements.
• Ensure a robust QFS training program and complete training for the full population (including contracted staff).
• Oversee the food review process (incl PES) and keep it aligned with consumer feedback.
• Collaborate with R&D, Procurement, Plant Operations to eliminate losses and ensure products meet consumer needs and export requirements.
• Promote Run-to-Target / Image Food mindset with a robust Process Control Strategy.
• Coordinate with R&D / Procurement on innovation projects to provide QFS input during new product launches and cost/supply chain requests.
• Co-own the Supplier Improvement Program with Procurement to reduce QFS challenges across Springs Supply Chain.
• Provide timely feedback and resolution on consumer complaints and drive consumer complaint reduction programs in Springs.
• Consult and support on QFS-related issues and non-conformances.
• Coach and develop capabilities of site QFS team.
• Partner with Plant Leadership Team and Regional QFS leaders to identify retention risks for key site QFS talents with mitigation plans as required.

Your Recipe for Success

• Knowledge of food law, food technology, food chemistry, microbiology, cereal science, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Good Agricultural Practices.
• Minimum of 7-10 years broad Manufacturing experience; post-graduate studies in Manufacturing, Food Technology and/or food safety beneficial.
• Strong analytical, project management and communication skills; a track record of achievements from technical and business perspectives.
• Leadership and communication skills, diplomacy to promote good relations with suppliers, Procurement & management; ability to act as project manager, planner, coordinator, and communicator.
• Operational knowledge of plants and supporting department functions; ability to handle multiple priorities and extended work schedules.
• Travel up to 10%.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio includes Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others. We value Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and strive for a culture of belonging where all employees contribute ideas.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025 (subject to approvals). The companies remain separate until closing. Learn more at the company site and feel free to discuss further questions if your application advances.

About Kellanova AMEA

AMEA represents a vast market, with strategic growth potential in snacks and cereal products. It is positioned for growth and investment in emerging markets, offering opportunities to join a dynamic organization. We are committed to investing in people and capability development to deliver value to stakeholders.