QA Manager - Processed Meat - Elsies River

QA Elsies River
Must have a driver's license and own vehicle
Job Purpose
Oversee a comprehensive, documented quality assurance system that enforces a zero-tolerance
policy for non-conformities, including but not limited to customer complaints, quality defects, and
resource waste from raw material intake to manufacturing, storage, and final product release.
Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of this management system by integrating it across all
relevant departments and existing systems and SOPs. Ensure proper monitoring of quality
performance, effective remediation of non-conformities, and continuous improvement efforts.
Reporting to:
Head: Quality and NPD
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Assurance
Manage a system to maintain a zero-tolerance policy for customer complaints, quality defects, and
resource waste throughout all stages of production.
Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of this management system through integration with relevant
departments and existing systems and SOPs.
Oversee sustainable corrections of non-conformities.
Responsibilities include:
Reviewing, improving, and implementing HACCP, VACCP, and TACCP plans, ensuring compliance
with FSSC, regulatory, customer, and company standards.
Developing, implementing, and maintaining product specifications.
Facilitating communication and cooperation with internal departments during the development and
implementation of these plans.
Reviewing and implementing effective Quality Control Points (QCP).
Monitoring and verifying QCPs and related records.
Conducting investigations into quality defects and identifying root causes.
Developing and implementing immediate containment measures for non-conformities.
Overseeing, following up, and confirming sustainable corrective actions for root causes.
Planning and executing internal audits based on these plans and product specifications.
Implementing monitoring procedures and maintaining records of quality defects to measure against
targets, including:
Customer complaints, rejections, and returns
Microbial, chemical, physical, and allergen monitoring programs (environmental and/or product)
Internal quality alerts/near-miss incidents, reworks, etc.
Any other relevant metrics.
Communicating trends to internal departments, management, and customers/suppliers as
necessary.
Maintaining and improving the FSSC 22000 system and ensuring compliance with all requirements
and documentation within this framework.
Ensuring factories are always prepared for audits.
Trials & Continuous Improvements
Keep updated on new and best-practice technical requirements, regulations, and standards and
oversee their implementation.
Manage the technical aspects of process or product improvement trials and equipment changes,
including:
Conducting risk assessments for innovations
Providing technical and quality assurance support during the planning and concept stages
Coordinating during trials and implementations
Participating in practical execution
Assisting with reporting, specifications changes, and risk assessments
Ensure the updating and implementation of HACCP, VACCP, and TACCP plans and procedures.
Minimize waste and duplication by consolidating and continuously improving the quality and food
safety systems across client departments.
Team Management
Establish departmental targets aligned with company priorities and growth strategies.
Supervise team members, set goals, and evaluate their progress.
Identify high-potential candidates and create strategic growth paths in line with company policies.
Support the continuous improvement of team members and offer guidance as needed.
Ensure disciplinary actions are applied appropriately when necessary.
Foster stable employee relations by managing conflicts and creating a positive, productive work
environment.
Relationships
Serve as a key technical and quality assurance contact for the client Group of Companies.
Build and maintain technical relationships with customers, service providers, and suppliers, and
assist the team in doing the same.
Ensure timely responses to customer inquiries within 48 hours.
Represent the client factories during site visits, walk-throughs, and audits.
Promote positive relationships between the team and all departments within the client organization,
fostering a quality culture.
SHEQ
Requirements
Qualifications
Degree in Food Sciences or a related field.
Experience
A minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in quality assurance supervision or a related area.
Functional Competencies
Management
Risk Assessments
Management Systems
Communication (written & verbal)
Knowledge of Food Safety & Product Quality
Proficiency in Excel & Trend Analysis
Problem-solving
Training / Trainer skill