Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance ManagerA large food manufacturing company in Cato Ridge (KZN) is looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to join the Quality Assurance Management Department, who will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of quality control and food safety. Ensure that our products meet regulatory standards, are safe for consumption, maintain FSSC 22000 accreditation and sustain the highest level of quality.Duties & ResponsibilitiesQuality & Food SafetyMonitor and evaluate product quality throughout the production process, from raw materials to finished products, to identify and address any quality concerns that may arise, ensuring that the highest quality products are dispatched from Freys Food Brands.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Procurement, and Technology and Innovation, to implement quality improvement initiatives and resolve quality-related defects/concerns.Continuously improve the food safety documented traceability system for the company to ensure proper root cause analysis.Review, revise, and improve quality and food safety risk assessments in line with emerging risks and regulatory requirements.Implement and monitor performance of GMP and PRP checks in the plant.Conduct routine GMP and PRP audits.AuditsConduct regular audits of production processes, facilities, and documentation to identify areas of improvement and its implementation to ensure adherence to quality and food safety protocols.Inform all internal stakeholders in advance of all audits taking place.Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and third-party auditors during inspections and audits.Facilitate in closing off corrective action raised in audits with relevant parties in a timely manner.Develop and maintain an audit readiness program to continuously prepare the company for external audits.Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to quality control and food safety and make recommendations for continuous improvement.Maintain FSSC 22000 accreditation.Customer/Stakeholder RelationsLead investigations into quality incidents, customer complaints, and non-conformances, and implement corrective and preventative actions needed.Liaise with the Technology and Innovation department during product development to approve development technical processes.Implement customer satisfaction surveys to gather feedback on food safety and quality aspects.Provide relevant stakeholders with transparent and accurate information regarding the company's food safety and quality practices.Communicate changes in regulations, adherence to product specifications and processes to stakeholders and facilitate compliance.Supplier Quality AssuranceEnsure all raw material approved is within specification, including raw materials from alternative service providers such as packaging, spices, cheese etc.Ensure legislative and regulatory compliance.Undertake Supplier Audits.Total Management Quality SystemsDevelop, review, implement and improve all SOPs related to Quality and Food Safety.Maintain accurate records and documentation related to quality assurance activities, including audits, inspections, and corrective actions.Ensure that all relevant SOPs related to quality and food safety are up to date and readily accessible for audits, training, traceability purposes etc.Training and DevelopmentDevelop, implement, and maintain quality assurance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.Develop and co-ordinate talent management, development programs, objectives and performance appraisals for the Quality Assurance Management department.Liaise with HR on the co-ordination of compliance training for relevant stakeholders such as FSSC, HACCP, Internal auditing training.Develop and deliver training programs on quality assurance and food safety practices for employees of all levels of the company.Drive a culture of quality and food safety throughout the company by promoting awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement.Collaborate with Production and the relevant supporting structures to ensure competence and adherence to food safety standards.BudgetDevelop and maintain the approved departmental budget and adhere to cost allocation.People ManagementManage the Quality Assurance Management department (incorporated of quality and food safety) and provide ongoing guidance, supervision and support to achieve the company's required targets.Oversee, raise and close of any matters that may arise with the Freys Contracted Cleaning Company - Ecowise.Communicate changes in processes and specifications and train the Quality Assurance Management department with related and up to date processes and procedures.Manage quality activities including but not limited to, incoming raw material inspection, in-process product and processing aids inspection, line inspection, waste verification inspection etc.Desired Experience & QualificationBachelor's degree/B. Tech in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.5 - 6 years of experience in Quality Assurance and Food Safety Management in the food manufacturing/FMCG sector, meat industry preferable.In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, including but not limited to HACCP etc.Strong understanding of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000.Experience with food safety audits and certifications (e.g. GMP).Certification in Food Safety.Intermediate to advance skills in Microsoft suite.Attention to detail with the ability to identify potential quality issues, analyse data and ensure product and services meet quality standards.Analytical thinker to assess quality metrics, identify trends and make data driven decisions to improve quality processes.Problem-solving skills with the capability in identifying root causes of quality issues and implementing corrective and preventative actions.Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.Deadline driven and time management skills with the ability to adapt or adjust accordingly to business requirements.Ability to lead and drive the Quality Assurance team i.e. both the Quality and Food Safety teams.Resilient and possess ethical integrity.Exceptional project management skills.Package & RemunerationMarket related.Interested?The closing date for applications will be the 10 May 2024. Correspondence will only be conducted with short listed candidates. Should you not hear from us within 14 days from the closing date then please consider your application as unsuccessful.The company is committed to developing creative and innovative teams, achieved through diversity and inclusion, preference shall therefore be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in line with the company's employment equity plan and targets.
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