QA Manager (Food Science)

Cape Winelands
Salary: Market Related
Job Type: Permanent
Sectors: Agriculture Manufacturing
Reference: SW005538/CL

Apply before May 24 2025 | 6 Days left

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Vacancy Details

Employer: Helderberg Personnel cc

Paarl: My client, a national leader in the food science industry, is seeking to employ a QA Manager to join its team. If you are eager to join a dynamic organisation focused on innovation and excellence, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Description & Purpose of the Role: This Quality & Food Safety Manager role is responsible for managing and maintaining the Food Safety System in line with HACCP (SANS 10330), customer, legislative, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will oversee product quality, lead the Quality team, manage quality incidents, audits, and corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement to meet both compliance and operational excellence objectives.

Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

Development, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Food Safety System
Ensuring compliance with all legislative, regulatory, and customer-specific food safety requirements
Leading, developing, and managing the Quality Team
Investigating and recording non-conformances and customer complaints
Approving and verifying corrective actions, change controls, and concession requests
Managing communication of food safety updates internally and externally
Liaising with and managing service providers (e.g., pest control, hygiene services)
Managing microbiological, chemical, and physical testing and reporting processes
Verifying and issuing COAs/COCs and ensuring accurate client submissions
Conducting GMP audits, internal audits, and facilitating certification or customer audits
Compiling and presenting management reviews and food safety performance reports
Authorising the release or hold of final products and managing recalls if required
Ensuring equipment calibration and maintenance schedules are upheld
Coordinating supplier audits and maintaining supplier approval programme
Managing documentation for clients, including SQAs and certification applications)
Performing traceability exercises and mock recalls
Preparing quality and food safety incident reports (weekly and monthly)
Ordering laboratory consumables and managing costing
Supporting trend analysis, root cause investigations, and continual system improvements

Minimum Criteria:

Education & Experience

Tertiary qualification (Degree/Diploma) in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline
Additional certification in Food Safety Management Systems (e.g., FSSC 22000, ISO 22000)
5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance within a food manufacturing environment
At least 2 years in a Management or Supervisory position
Proven experience in implementing, managing, and auditing food safety and quality systems
In-depth knowledge of local and international food safety legislation and regulatory requirements
Proficiency in quality management systems and tools
Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP principles, and risk management

Key Competencies & Attributes

Strong leadership and team management abilities
A detail-oriented, driven individual with a high emotional intelligence (EQ)
Calm under pressure, assertive in decision-making, and a collaborative team motivator
Collaborative, adaptive, and strategic approaches
Ownership-driven, action-oriented, and focused on continuous improvement
Efficient and practical with high standards and a results-driven mindset
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
Familiarity with compliance and regulatory standards
Skills in auditing, troubleshooting, trend analysis, and report writing
Must have own transport and flexibility to work extended hours as needed (on-site role with occasional travel)
Fluency in English and Afrikaans, both spoken and written
Alignment with company values and team culture

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About Helderberg Personnel cc

Based in Somerset West, Helderberg Personnel was established in 1998. The company initially started doing placements in the Helderberg Basin and over the years expanded nationally. Our background has proved to be invaluable in providing a high standard of recruitment, screening, evaluation and placement of candidates.

Our Value proposition:
The true value proposition of the Helderberg Personnel brand is our commitment to attending to our clients’ needs, culture and values and to ensure that, through comprehensive interviews with candidates, the overall match is determined to ensure a long term relationship. The identity of the client remains confidential at all times. We understand that our function is to ensure that the candidate must become a strategic partner to a business instead of a mere employee. Helderberg Personnel has achieved a steady growth over the last years and we have evolved into one of the leading agencies in the region. We have made placements cross functional, cross industry and up to senior management level.