Quality Manager, Pietermaritzburg

An established food manufacturing business is seeking an experienced

Quality Manager

to take full ownership of the

Quality and Food Safety portfolio . This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the COO, with responsibility for driving compliance, governance, and a strong food safety culture across the operation.

Purpose of the Role The successful candidate will be accountable for the

planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement

of all quality and food safety systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory, customer, and certification standards.

Key Responsibilities Leadership

Lead and manage a Quality Team of approximately 13 employees

Drive a strong quality and food safety culture across all departments

Ensure adherence to internal governance, values, and leadership standards

Collaborate closely with Production, NPD, and Operations teams

Quality&Food Safety

Maintain and manage certifications and standards including (but not limited to): FSSC 22000, Export compliance, major retail standards, Organic and sustainability standards

Full oversight of Quality and Food Safety Management Systems

Ensure factory compliance with all regulatory food safety and quality requirements

Oversee hygiene, housekeeping, and factory standards

Manage the QC function, including laboratory and testing systems

Oversee internal and external product testing (microbiological and analytical)

Lead investigations, responses, trending, and communication of customer complaints

Act as the primary quality contact during audits, customer visits, and inspections

Support New Product Development through technical and quality input

Manage quality-related administration, reporting, and trending

Control and manage quality-related budgets and GL codes

Minimum Requirements

Diploma or Degree in

Food Technology, Food Science, or Consumer Science

Proven experience implementing, maintaining, and improving

Food Safety and Quality Management Systems

Management-level experience within a food manufacturing or FMCG environment

Experience in roles such as

Quality Manager, QA/QC Manager, Food Technologist, or Laboratory Manager

Knowledge of Laboratory Management Systems (advantageous)

Strong attention to detail with a structured, methodical approach

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Fully computer literate (MS Excel and Word– intermediate level)

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Why Consider This Role

Senior leadership exposure

Full ownership of quality and food safety

Stable manufacturing environment with strong governance focus

Opportunity to influence culture, systems, and standards at scale

Suitable applications to be emailed to

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