Quality Manager
Position Overview
The Quality Manager at Frimax will be responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of quality assurance, food safety, and compliance across the manufacturing operations. This role ensures that products consistently meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal standards of excellence. The Quality Manager will design, implement, and continuously improve closed-loop systems for quality planning, execution, monitoring, and corrective action.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Management Systems (QMS) aligned with ISO, HACCP, and other relevant food safety standards.
- Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory requirements (e.g., SANS, FDA, EU standards).
- Lead internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and successful certification outcomes.
- Establish and maintain SOPs for quality processes, inspections, and testing protocols.
Operational Excellence
- Monitor and analyse production processes to identify quality risks, deviations, and opportunities for improvement.
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) for non-conformances and customer complaints.
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, and supply chain teams to ensure quality is embedded in every stage of operations.
- Implement closed-loop feedback systems that integrate planning, actuals, and performance metrics.
Customer Focus
- Manage customer complaint resolution with structured investigation, reporting, and corrective action.
- Ensure timely communication and professional documentation of complaint outcomes.
- Build strong relationships with customers by demonstrating accountability and continuous improvement.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and mentor the Quality Assurance team, fostering a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.
- Provide training and awareness programs for staff on quality standards, food safety, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align quality objectives with operational and business goals.
Data & Reporting
- Design and maintain dashboards for quality KPIs, including defect rates, audit scores, and complaint trends.
- Use advanced Excel tools for capturing, analysing, and reporting quality data (OEE, stoppage logs, capacity checks).
- Present structured, actionable insights to senior leadership for decision-making.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Quality Management, or related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience in food manufacturing quality assurance, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
- Strong knowledge of ISO standards, HACCP, GMP, and regulatory frameworks.
- Proven track record in leading audits, managing customer complaints, and implementing CAPA.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and digital tools for data analysis and reporting.
Key Competencies
- Analytical Rigor: Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Leadership: Ability to inspire, mentor, and hold teams accountable.
- Communication: Professional business writing and structured documentation skills.
- Operational Mind-set: Holistic approach to integrating quality into planning, execution, and performance measurement.
- Continuous Improvement: Passion for automation, error-proofing, and real-time visibility.
Performance Metrics
- Audit compliance scores and certification success.
- Reduction in customer complaints and non-conformances.
- Improvement in OEE and reduction in downtime linked to quality issues.
- Staff training completion and competency levels.
- Timeliness and accuracy of quality reporting.
Reporting Line
- Reports to: Senior Operational Leader (Head of Operations)
- Direct Reports: Quality Assurance Officers, Lab Technicians, and Compliance Specialists
Work Location: In person
