Quality Control Officer

Quality Control Officer required in Leandra, Mpumalanga.

An established food manufacturing business is seeking a Quality Control Officer to support and strengthen its quality and food safety systems at its Mpumalanga site.

This role is suited to someone with hands-on experience in food safety and quality management systems, ideally within dairy or a related food production environment. You will play a key role in ensuring that products meet regulatory, safety, and internal quality standards, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across the plant.

The successful candidate must be comfortable working within a production environment and participating in night shift operations where required.

You will work as part of a dedicated quality team, with responsibility for supporting plant-wide compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Experience with in dairy manufacturing would be advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in food safety and quality management systems within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards (ISO/FSSC/HACCP/PRPs).
• Experience conducting inspections and audits.
• Knowledge of food microbiology and food chemistry.
• Experience using laboratory apparatus and quality control equipment.
• Ability to carry out root cause analysis and troubleshoot quality issues.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and improve quality control systems across the plant.
• Support implementation and adherence to food safety standards including ISO, FSSC, HACCP and PRPs.
• Conduct food safety inspections and internal audits.
• Perform and oversee product quality testing, including:
  Packaging integrity checks, Physico-chemical testing and Microbiological testing.
• Apply root cause analysis to investigate quality or food safety incidents.
• Communicate quality and food safety concerns clearly to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).
• Maintain strong laboratory practices and accurate documentation.
• Contribute ideas to enhance quality systems and operational efficiency.
• This role requires the ability to work night shifts as part of operational requirements.