Johannesburg: Quality Assurance Manager

Responsibilities: Develop, implement, and maintain the companys Quality Management System (QMS) in line with ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 standards and regulatory requirements. Maintain HACCP, risk assessments and prerequisite programmes. Manage document control, specifications and change management. Conduct internal and external audits, inspections, and assessments to ensure compliance with quality standards. Identify quality issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions. Collaborate with production and engineering to improve processes and product quality. Ensure allergen control and due diligence systems. Monitor key quality metrics and prepare reports for management and Global review. Continuous Improvement and risk management- Train and mentor staff on quality procedures, standards, and best practices, lead non-conformance investigations and CAPA implementation, analyse quality trends and reduce rejects and waste, support environmental sustainability initiatives. Lead Food Safety team and drive food safety culture, lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce defects, and maintain compliance. Customer Technical and quality support- investigate customer complaints and non-conformances, ensuring timely resolution, maintain compliance with customer and country-specific requirements, complete customer technical questionnaires, participate in customer audits, manage customer specifications and expectations. QC Laboratory management including personnel responsibilities of direct reports in QC Lab, interpret microbiological, chemical and physical analysis, approve finished product, manage calibration and verification systems and drive corrective actions from trend results Actively facilitate and coordinate Global initiatives. Managing regulatory affairs for imports and exports, ensure sanitation verification and environmental monitoring. Liaise with Department of Agriculture and export certification authorities. Supplier and Raw Material Assurance including approve and monitor suppliers, maintain supplier quality agreements, verify incoming raw material compliance, support NPD with raw material and process approvals. Requirements: BSc Food Science or similar Total Quality Management in a food manufacturing environment: 10 years Experience operating and managing ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 system: 5 years Proven track record of leading audits, inspections and continuous improvement initiatives (certification, customer, regulatory): 10 years Experience in process improvement, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation: 5 years FCD Act and Appropriate regulations: 5 years HACCP Team Leader or equivalent practical experience: 5 years Strong working knowledge of food safety, quality and environmental legislation: 5 years. High risk food product manufacturing- advantageous Export certification and regulatory environments- advantageous Budgeting and resource management: 5 years MS Office (intermediate to advanced): 5 years Six Sigma/ Lean Management Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.