Compliance Officer & NPD Technologist (East London) at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• A premier Distributor of Healthcare Products seeks a highly skilled Compliance Officer & NPD Technologist to join its East London division where you will ensure the effective implementation and compliance of the New Product Development (NPD) process, Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) programme, and relevant regulatory systems (FSSC 22000, SAHPRA, Halaal).
• The role supports product development, audit readiness, and continuous improvement of the Food Safety & Quality Management System (FSQMS). Applicants will require a Diploma in Food Technology OR preferably a Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related field with 2-3 years QA and FSQMS administration (Food/Nutraceutical/Pharma) and New Product Development.
• You must also have NPD process expertise and strong knowledge of FSSC 22000 and QA systems. DUTIES: New Product Development (NPD) – Implement and review NPD procedures and records.
• Assist with research into and development of new products as directed. Support product development, reformulation, and cost optimisation initiatives. Preparation and submission of samples.
• Manage NPD records, product packs, recipes, master sheets, and change control processes. Manage and update production sheets. Assist with production trials, scale-up issues and recipe adjustments.
• Act as liaison between customers and internal teams. Coordinate label updates, review, and approvals and maintain product documentation. Arrange timeous annual calibration of measuring equipment in the NPD Laboratory.
• Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) – Maintain and improve the SQA programme in line with FSSC 22000. Manage approved supplier list and onboarding of new suppliers. Ensure traceability readiness and support recalls/mock recalls. Regulatory & Certification Compliance – Support SAHPRA compliance and documentation with QA Manager and Responsible Pharmacist. Manage Halaal certification processes and stakeholder communication. Ensure all documentation is audit-ready for regulatory inspections.
• Audits & FSQMS Support – Maintain audit readiness for SQA and NPD systems. Assist in audit preparation, reporting, and close-out of non-conformances where necessary.
• Identify improvement opportunities within FSQMS, NPD, and production. Promote food safety, quality standards, and compliance awareness. Support corrective and preventative actions.
• Assist with ad hoc QA and business needs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Qualifications – Minimum: Diploma in Food Technology. Preferred: Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Experience/Skills – 2–3 Years in QA and FSQMS administration (Food/Nutraceutical/Pharma).
• 2–3 Years in New Product Development. NPD process expertise. Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000 and QA systems.
• Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills. High attention to detail and problem-solving ability. Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office. Commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Office-based role with occasional travel (suppliers/customers/manufacturing site).