QA Value Add, Food Scientist – Ready to Eat - Mbombela - Top Talent Professional Services

Description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Specialist

This role will report directly to the QA Manager, overseeing the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of quality standards for Ready-to-eat products.

The position is responsible for the following key areas:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Implementing quality standards from raw material approval to final packing of ready-to-eat products.
2. Assisting with system implementation and improvement functions, flow diagrams, hazard analysis, procedures, and QC records.
3. Conducting analytical testing of products.
4. Raw material sourcing, approval, and testing.
5. Accelerated and real-time shelf-life studies of products.
6. Liaising with suppliers on relevant quality issues.
7. Assisting in ensuring legislative compliance.
8. Supporting cross-functional teams and managing product cost cutting, sensory evaluation, and reformulation of current products.
9. Assisting in training a DSE panel and leading panels in consumer tests and trials.
10. Driving continuous improvement, achieving results, and assisting in problem-solving/root cause investigations of production problems.
11. Ensuring the required quality, safety, hygiene, and environmental standards are implemented, maintained, and improved.
12. Ensuring hygiene standards, cleaning procedures, practices, and equipment are continually re-evaluated and aligned with best practice, customer guidelines, and legislation.
13. Ensuring cleaning procedures in food manufacturing areas are maintained and correct use of cleaning materials (from handling, to storage and documentation).

Requirements and Experience:

• Degree in Food Science.
• Ingredient/equipment sourcing, approval, procurement, product costing, and product development preferred.
• HACCP and Food Safety Legislation knowledge.
• Good interpersonal relationships and strong communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated, disciplined, ethical, and confident.
• Excellent organisational and work planning skills.
• Attention to detail and results-driven.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
• A minimum of 5 years' relevant experience.
• Production environment experience under time pressure, requiring accurate results fast and performing under pressure.
• Valid driver's license and own vehicle.
• Continuous change adaptability, being agile and quick to adapt.

Salary: Approximately R600,000 per annum (CTC)