Cape Town - Assistant Quality Assurance Manager

Our client is looking for an Assistant Quality Assurance Manager to support the Quality Assurance Manager in maintaining and improving the quality assurance processes within the organization. This role involves assisting in the management of food safety, quality control, and the implementation of prerequisite programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Food Safety Management:
• Assist in maintaining and updating the organization's food safety management system.
• Ensure that product release requirements are met and verified.
• Compile certificates of conformance (COC) and address non-conformances through corrective and preventative actions.
• Oversee receiving inspections, including the collection of COCs and COAs.
• Assist in managing food safety incidents and ensuring that traceability procedures are followed and tested annually.
• Help with the identification, review, and update of information related to internal and external issues affecting the company.
• Support the communication and periodic updating of the food safety policy and objectives.
• Ensure that documented information is controlled and food safety records are completed adequately.
• Assist in implementing, reviewing, and maintaining the Food Defence Plan, Threat Assessment, and Food Fraud Mitigation Plan.
• Control external service providers and suppliers, ensuring valid food safety certificates and Halaal certificates are on file.
• Prerequisite Programs:
• Plan, monitor, and verify daily and weekly cleaning activities.
• Ensure adherence to the microbiological testing schedule and conduct aseptic sampling.
• Perform daily GMP checks throughout the facility and assist with despatch checks as needed.
• Ensure the screening of visitors for infectious diseases and adherence to the companys hygiene code of conduct.
• Manage waste handling in accordance with the waste management procedure.
• Supervise employees to ensure compliance with basic hygiene policies and prevent cross-contamination.
• Quality Control:
• Verify online quality control activities, including OPRPs, CCPs, and final product weights.
• Manage retention samples and conduct product quality control testing, including moisture, pH, and TPM.
• Conduct daily organoleptic testing and end-of-shelf-life testing on products.
• Oversee the completion of LP forms for spice packing and verify sachet weights regularly.
• Procurement & Logistics:
• Arrange the courier of product release samples to customers.
• Order and issue consumables necessary for quality assurance processes.
• New Product Development/Research & Development:
• Draw up new product development (NPD) briefs for customers.
• Initiate new product trial runs and testing.
• Acquire new suppliers and raw materials as needed.

Key Skills:

• Strong understanding of food safety management systems and quality control processes.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage various programs simultaneously.
• Proficiency in conducting internal audits and managing corrective actions.
• Attention to detail, especially in maintaining documentation and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Familiarity with FSSC 22000 or similar food safety management systems.
• Experience in assisting with audits and managing quality control operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Food Science, Quality Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a quality assurance role within the food industry.