Senior Hygiene Officer - Food Production Facilities

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Hygiene Officer to ensure food production meets strict hygiene, sanitation, and safety standards. You will lead hygiene programs, audits, and reporting to senior management.

The role combines on-site oversight with remote administrative tasks. Candidates should have HACCP/ISO 22000 knowledge, 6+ years in hygiene management, strong leadership, and reporting skills in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in hygiene management within food manufacturing or processing.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, GMP, and relevant legislation.
• Proven experience in managing and leading a team of hygiene staff.
• Experience with auditing and inspection procedures.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data related to hygiene performance.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapting to both on-site and remote work requirements in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
• Proficiency in relevant software for reporting and data analysis.
• Experience in pest control management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive hygiene and sanitation programs in accordance with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Oversee and manage the daily sanitation operations within the food production facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
• Conduct regular internal audits and inspections to identify potential risks and ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
• Supervise and train the hygiene team, fostering a culture of safety and cleanliness.
• Monitor the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures and chemicals used.
• Investigate and report on any hygiene-related incidents, implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, and maintenance departments to ensure integrated food safety practices.
• Manage the inventory of hygiene supplies and equipment, ensuring efficient stock control.
• Prepare detailed reports on hygiene performance, audit findings, and program effectiveness for senior management.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and regulatory changes in food hygiene and safety.

Skills

Hygiene management

Audit & inspection

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Microbiology / Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading food production company operating in the **Stellenbosch, Western Cape** region, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Hygiene Officer. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring that all food production processes and facilities meet and exceed stringent hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of food safety regulations, extensive experience in managing hygiene programs in a manufacturing environment, and strong leadership capabilities. This position offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between on-site oversight and remote administrative tasks, contributing to optimal operations in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive hygiene and sanitation programs in accordance with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Oversee and manage the daily sanitation operations within the food production facility in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.
• Conduct regular internal audits and inspections to identify potential risks and ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
• Supervise and train the hygiene team, fostering a culture of safety and cleanliness.
• Monitor the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures and chemicals used.
• Investigate and report on any hygiene-related incidents, implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, and maintenance departments to ensure integrated food safety practices.
• Manage the inventory of hygiene supplies and equipment, ensuring efficient stock control.
• Prepare detailed reports on hygiene performance, audit findings, and program effectiveness for senior management.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and regulatory changes in food hygiene and safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in hygiene management within the food manufacturing or processing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP principles, GMP, and relevant legislation.
• Proven experience in managing and leading a team of hygiene staff.
• Experience with auditing and inspection procedures.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data related to hygiene performance.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapting to both on-site and remote work requirements in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.
• Proficiency in relevant software for reporting and data analysis.
• Experience in pest control management is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, excellent health insurance benefits, and a retirement savings plan. This hybrid role provides flexibility and the opportunity for significant professional growth. You will be part of a reputable company with a strong commitment to quality and innovation. Opportunities for further training and development are readily available. Join a team that values your expertise and contributions to ensuring the safety and quality of food products produced in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. We offer a dynamic work environment and a chance to make a tangible impact on public health.