Supervisor: Quality

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Wellington; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG is seeking a Quality Supervisor with strong microbiology expertise to oversee testing, shelf-life studies, and quality assurance processes. You will lead a team, ensure GMP compliance, and support continuous improvement across the QMS.

The role requires 3+ years in a microbiology lab and 5+ years in FMCG operations with supervisory experience. A relevant degree or diploma and relevant certifications are preferred. On-site role based in Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Matric and a degree/diploma in Food Science or Microbiology are required.
• 3+ years of micro laboratory experience is necessary.
• 5+ years FMCG operations experience, with at least 3 in manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading a team in a supervisory capacity.
• Supervisory short course or qualification is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee microbiological quality control activities including sampling, testing and results recording.
• Manage shelf-life studies and product release against quality requirements.
• Maintain and verify lab equipment and processes, including sterilisation controls.
• Lead QA testing and verification programmes and external microbiological analysis.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints with feedback reports.
• Support internal audits relating to GMP and food safety, including CAPA actions.
• Maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) with updates and records.
• Monitor quality performance and prepare weekly/monthly data for meetings.
• Supervise and train microbiology support staff; ensure adherence to procedures.
• Support broader quality activities including inspections, COAs, stock management and GRNs.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Leadership

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Planning & organisation

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

BSc in Food Science or Microbiology

Job description

About Premier FMCG

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.

About Premier FMCG

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.