Supervisor: Quality

Premier Fmcg (Pty) Ltd; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG in South Africa seeks a qualified Quality Supervisor to lead microbiology and quality assurance efforts across our manufacturing operations. You will supervise the microbiology lab team, ensure compliance with GMP and food safety standards, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven decisions.

Authoritative knowledge of QMS, shelf-life studies, and QA testing is essential, as is proven leadership and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in BSc Food Science or Microbiology.
• 3+ years micro laboratory experience.
• 5+ years FMCG operations experience, 3 in manufacturing.
• Proven supervisory experience; short course is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee microbiological quality control activities, sampling and testing.
• Manage shelf-life studies and product release procedures.
• Maintains lab equipment and calibration controls.
• Lead QA testing, ring testing and external analyses.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints with reports.
• Conduct internal audits for GMP, food safety and quality systems.
• Maintain QMS procedures for accuracy, traceability and compliance.
• Monitor quality performance and report weekly/monthly data.
• Supervise microbiology staff and ensure training.
• Support purchasing, stock control and documentation.

Skills

Quality Control

Leadership

Planning & Organisation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

BSc Food Science/Microbiology

Diploma in related field

Job description

Premier FMCG is at the heart of South Africa's FMCG industry, delivering trusted, iconic brands across our Bakery, Milling, Confectionery, Home & Personal Care and Culinary divisions. We are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a high-performance growth culture. We empower our people to strive for excellence ensuring that our products and people make a difference in the everyday lives of our consumers.

Job Purpose

Provides technical supervision of microbiological testing, shelf-life studies, auditing, documentation and quality data, while supporting continuous improvement and a strong food safety culture

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee microbiological quality control activities, including sampling, testing, results evaluation, corrective actions and accurate recording of microbiological results.
• Manage shelf-life studies and product release, ensuring products are evaluated appropriately and released only once required microbiological results and quality requirements have been met.
• Ensure laboratory equipment, facilities and processes are maintained to required standards, including sterilisation, autoclave and incubator controls, calibration and verification activities.
• Manage quality assurance testing and verification programmes, including ring testing, cleaning verification, production-line sterilisation testing and external microbiological analysis.
• Managing and overseeing the investigation and resolution of customer complaints, including the preparation and delivery of comprehensive feedback reports to Customer Care and relevant customers/clients.
• Conduct and support internal audits relating to GMP, food safety and quality systems, identifying non-conformances and supporting effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) by reviewing, updating and implementing relevant procedures, documentation and records to ensure accuracy, traceability and compliance.
• Monitor and report on quality and food safety performance, compiling weekly and monthly quality data and providing accurate information for Food Safety and other management meetings.
• Supervise, train and evaluate microbiology support staff, ensuring competent performance, adherence to procedures and consistent laboratory standards.
• Support broader quality activities, including customer complaint logging, incoming inspections and SQA processes, Certificates of Analysis, stock and consumable management, and the creation of relevant purchase orders and GRNs.

Experience and Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Diploma or Degree in BSc Food Science/ Microbiology
• 3+ year Micro Laboratory experience
• 5+ years' experience in FMCG operations environment of which 3 must be in a manufacturing environment
• Proven previous experience leading team in a supervisory capacity
• Supervisory related short course and/or qualification beneficial

Skills and Competencies

• Microbiological and Quality Control Knowledge
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Leadership and People Management
• Planning, Organisation and Communication Skills

Diversity & Inclusion

Premier FMCG is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including people living with disabilities. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) for recruitment purposes.

Supervisor: Quality WELLINGTON, South Africa