Quality Manager (Food Production)

ARVO; Bonnievale; On-site; ZAR 558,000 - 614,000; Full time

Job summary

ARVO in Montagu, Western Cape, is seeking a hands-on Quality Manager to own quality control, food safety and compliance across our FMCG manufacturing site. The role leads QC teams, implements GMP, HACCP and CAPA, and drives a strong food safety culture in a fast-paced plant.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Food Science/related field, 3+ years in factory QC, and proven audit experience with BRCGS/IBL or FSSC 22000. Competitive salary R50,000–R55,000 CTC.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a factory QC environment with a proven track record.
• Advanced training in food safety systems (BRCGS/IBL/FSSC 22000).
• Experience with audits, CAPA and root-cause analysis.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee GMP, hygiene, sanitation, pest control and foreign body prevention programmes.
• Ensure SOPs, quality limits and product release decisions are followed.
• Lead customer audits, inspections and third-party audits (BRCGS/IBL/ZA).
• Monitor KPIs for quality and food safety across the plant.
• Develop and train teams to sustain a right-first-time culture.

Skills

Quality management

Team leadership

Food safety

GMP & HACCP

Audits

Education

Degree in Food Science/ related

Tools

BRCGS

IBL

FSSC 22000

Job description

Quality Manager

Location: Montagu, Western Cape
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Reports To: Technical Manager
Salary: R50,000 – R55,000 per month CTC

Job Overview

Our client, a well-established food manufacturing business within the FMCG industry, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Manager to join their team in Montagu.

The Quality Manager will take ownership of quality control, food safety and compliance across the manufacturing environment, ensuring the consistent delivery of safe, high-quality products.

This is a hands-on management position suited to a resilient and operationally focused quality professional who can lead teams, drive standards and maintain a strong food safety culture in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Process Control

• Manage adherence to GMP, hygiene, sanitation, pest control and foreign body prevention programmes.
• Ensure agreed production processes, SOPs and quality limits are implemented and maintained.
• Support product release and quality-related decision-making.
• Monitor and verify process controls.
• Manage change control processes within the facility.
• Maintain good laboratory practices and validated testing methods.

HACCP & Risk Management

• Act as second-in-charge to the Food Safety Team Leader.
• Ensure effective implementation of process controls for identified food safety hazards.
• Manage CCPs and OPRPs, including verification and performance trending.
• Maintain effective traceability systems and ensure required testing is conducted.

Raw Material & Supplier Quality

• Manage incoming raw materials against agreed specifications.
• Manage supplier non-conformances and identify trends for supplier performance reviews.
• Work with the warehouse team to manage stock-age reporting.
• Ensure effective FIFO/FEFO practices across warehouses.

Customer Complaints

• Own the customer complaint management process on relevant customer portals.
• Investigate complaints using root-cause analysis tools such as 5 Why and Fishbone.
• Prepare timely corrective-action responses.
• Monitor complaint trends and drive continuous improvement.

Team Leadership & Food Safety Culture

• Lead and develop QC teams.
• Ensure disciplined execution of quality and food safety responsibilities.
• Support the development and delivery of training relating to food safety, hygiene, allergens and customer requirements.
• Champion a right-first-time culture across departments.
• Build a positive, accountable and high-performance working environment.

Audits & Compliance

• Support and manage customer audits and inspections.
• Coordinate third-party audits, including BRCGS, IBL and ZA audits.
• Manage internal audit and verification programmes.
• Lead audits in the absence of the Technical Manager.
• Ensure non-conformances are closed within required timelines.
• Manage CAPA, root-cause analysis and effectiveness reviews.
• Maintain constant audit readiness.

Reporting

• Provide input into management reviews and Food Safety Team meetings.
• Monitor and report on quality and food safety KPIs, including:
  • Facility quality and food safety performance
  • Customer complaintsCCP compliance
  • Supplier performance
  • Incoming material quality

Who Should Apply?

This role is ideally suited to an experienced Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, QC Manager or senior quality professional from the food manufacturing/FMCG sector who is ready to take ownership of quality and food safety across a busy manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will be hands-on, resilient and confident enough to lead teams, influence production and maintain high standards while balancing operational requirements.

Compensation

R50,000 – R55,000 per month CTC, depending on experience and suitability.

Working Hours

Permanent, full-time position based in Montagu, Western Cape.

Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Advanced training in food safety systems, such as BRCGS, IBL or FSSC 22000.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a factory QC environment, with a proven track record.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems and manufacturing environments.
• Experience with audits, CAPA and root-cause analysis.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational ability.
• Ability to make independent decisions and take ownership.
• Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer literacy and an affinity for technology and online customer platforms.