Technologist: Systems

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Food Safety/FSMS professional to maintain and improve the FSMS, oversee validations, audits and documentation. The role focuses on continuous improvement and risk management in a fast-paced food processing environment.

The ideal candidate will have 3–4 years in FSMS, strong data analysis, and excellent communication. A Lead Auditor qualification is advantageous. This is a fulltime, on-site position with responsibilities spanning QA and training.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–4 years' experience in a Food Safety Management System within a food processing facility.
• Excellent report writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Woolworths policies, guidelines and management system requirements is advantageous.
• Lead Auditor Qualification will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously improve the FSMS across all operational units.
• Review technical data sheets and update HACCP documentation for new products and processes.
• Support validation studies during factory trials and literature reviews for new CCPs/OPRPs.
• Manage validations and annual verification activities for CCPs/OPRPs.
• Coordinate FSMS reviews, risk assessments and training needs related to FSSC 22000.
• Lead internal audits and drive Food Safety & Quality Culture initiatives.
• Develop and deliver food safety training programmes for competency.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

FSMS knowledge

Communication skills

Root cause analysis

Training needs analysis

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Trend analysis

Management principles

Education

Bachelors in Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

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

To maintain and enhance the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards. The role focuses on managing food safety processes, validations, audits, and documentation while supporting continuous improvement and risk management initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously improve the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) across all operational units and oversee the Graduate Intern.
• Review technical data sheets and update HACCP documentation for new products and processes.
• Support validation studies during factory trials and conduct literature reviews for new CCPs and OPRPs.
• Manage validations and annual verification activities for all CCPs and OPRPs.
• Review and update the FSMS, conduct gap analyses, risk assessments, and implement new or revised requirements.
• Conduct annual reviews of Food Defence Threat Assessments, Food Defence Plans, and Process Vulnerability Assessments.
• Coordinate Food Safety Team meetings and Management Reviews, including agenda preparation, action tracking, and follow-up.
• Manage centralized food safety procedures, document control, and annual procedure reviews in line with FSSC 22000 and legal requirements.
• Develop and deliver food safety training programmes, while identifying competency and training needs related to FSSC 22000.
• Conduct internal audits, support food safety projects, and drive Food Safety & Quality Culture initiatives through surveys, toolbox talks, and reporting.

Experience And Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Food Science or equivalent with Minimum 3-4 years' experience in a Food Safety Management Systems within a food processing facility - knowledge of high care, low care protocols will be advantageous.
• Excellent knowledge of computer applications, report writing and communication skills and presentation.
• Sound knowledge and practical application of Woolworths policies, guidelines, and management system requirements, supported by advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Lead Auditor Qualification will be advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of food safety and management systems (FSSC 22000, food safety-related ISO standards and related technical standards).
• Knowledge of prerequisite programme and its effective implementation as part of a management system.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis, problem-solving methodologies, and corrective action principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Understanding of training needs analysis, skills development, and the measurement of training effectiveness.
• Knowledge of business and management principles, including planning, organizing, coordinating people, recruitment, performance management, and employee development.
• Strong attention to detail, research and analytical capabilities, excellent trending skills, and an assertive approach to problem-solving in a processing environment.

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.

Closing Date

04 September 2026