Senior Quality Assurance Manager - Food & Beverage Production

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life cover

Performance bonuses

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Quality Assurance Manager in Cape Town to oversee QA operations, drive QMS programs, and ensure product safety and regulatory compliance across the production lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will lead a QA team, have strong knowledge of HACCP, ISO standards, and South Africa's food safety regulations, and thrive in a hybrid work setting balancing office and floor activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years in QA/QC in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
• Experience implementing and managing QMS (HACCP, GMP, ISO).
• Strong knowledge of local food safety regulations and legislation.
• Excellent leadership, team management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with external auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to work in a Hybrid environment balancing office and production floor.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive QMS in line with HACCP, ISO standards.
• Oversee quality control from raw materials to finished product testing.
• Lead QA team and drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct internal audits for compliance with QMS and regulations.
• Manage external audits from regulators and customers.
• Investigate quality issues and implement CAPA.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Supply Chain teams.
• Maintain quality-related documentation and records.
• Drive continuous improvement in QA and manufacturing operations.

Skills

QA leadership

Quality management

HACCP knowledge

Statistical analysis

Stakeholder communication

Education

BSc in Food Science, Microbiology, or Chemistry

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Quality Assurance Manager to oversee quality operations in Cape Town, Western Cape . This critical role ensures adherence to the highest standards of product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout the entire production lifecycle. You will lead a team of QA professionals, develop and implement robust quality management systems, and collaborate with various departments to maintain and enhance product integrity. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of food safety regulations, quality control methodologies, and a strong leadership aptitude. Join our client's dedicated team in Cape Town, Western Cape , and contribute to the production of safe, high-quality food and beverage products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMS) in line with industry standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000).
• Oversee all quality control activities, including raw material inspection, in-process checks, and finished product testing.
• Lead and mentor the Quality Assurance team, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance with QMS, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
• Manage external audits from regulatory bodies and customers.
• Investigate product quality issues and customer complaints, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to ensure product quality and safety from development to market.
• Stay up-to-date with evolving food safety regulations and industry best practices.
• Manage and maintain all quality-related documentation and records.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the QA department and manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Control within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in implementing and managing QMS, including HACCP, GMP, and ISO standards.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and legislation relevant to the South African market.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in quality control testing methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working with external auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment, balancing office-based responsibilities with production floor engagement.
• Familiarity with the Cape Town, Western Cape food industry landscape is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life cover, and performance bonuses.
• We are committed to the professional development of our employees through specialized training, workshops, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.
• You will work in a supportive and challenging environment with opportunities for career growth.
• Benefits include a generous annual leave allowance, retirement fund contributions, and potential for bonuses.
• The Hybrid role in Cape Town, Western Cape offers a dynamic work experience within a thriving industry.