QA Manager (FSSC)

SUMMARY:
Our client, a food manufacturing company (based in the nothern suburbs of Durban), requires a QA Manager to be responsible for ensuring the effective and systematic management of the quality department.

POSITION INFO:
Purpose:

To oversee product quality, raw material analysis, internal audits, maintaining the Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The QA Manager will work across departments to uphold the highest quality standards and implement continuous improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Department Management and Leadership:

• Oversee all quality-related functions within the quality department.
• Manage, mentor, and develop quality department staff.
• Complete performance assessments for lab staff and ensure continuous professional development.

• Establish and maintain Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems.
• Ensure compliance with external food safety audits (e.g., QPRO & FSA Intertek, SABS-FSSC 22000).
• Stay updated on changes to food safety regulations, quality standards, and best practices to ensure continuous compliance.
• Ensure proper implementation of labelling regulations (R146) and maintain FSSC 22000 certification.

• Conduct internal audits on quality systems, hygiene, and housekeeping.
• Perform supplier quality audits to ensure raw materials meet required standards.
• Conduct regular product testing, including shelf-life, stability, and sensory evaluations.
• Approve all packaging requirements and ensure that products comply with quality standards.

• Conduct training needs analysis and ensure training is provided for both internal staff and external customers.
• Establish and maintain workplace skills plans.
• Mentor external students through graduate, in-service, and internship programs.

• Identify potential risks related to product quality, safety, and compliance and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, product quality, and processes within the quality department.
• Regularly analyse quality performance data and trends, adjusting processes as needed to ensure quality targets are met.

• Work with R&D, production, operations, freezer, admin, maintenance, and receiving departments to ensure seamless product development and quality control.
• Support the operations team with documentation requirements and help close off non-conformances raised from supplier audits.

• Manage customer complaints for both in-house and house brands, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers to understand and meet their quality expectations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely and high-quality supply of raw materials.

• Oversee R&D for in-house and retail products, approving ingredients for tenders.
• Coordinate the Fresh Line process for new product launches and de-ranging items.
• Work with retail quality requirements and specifications to ensure product consistency.

• Provide regular reports on quality performance, audit results, non-conformances, corrective actions, and other relevant metrics to senior management.

• Ensure quality practices align with environmental and sustainability standards.
• Support the company’s corporate responsibility goals by adhering to environmental regulations and promoting sustainability initiatives.

• A degree in Food Science, Quality Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications such as FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 9001, or similar.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in quality assurance, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with quality management software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.
• Proven track record in managing teams, conducting audits, and maintaining certification standards