QA Lab Lead - Midrand at McCormick & Company

Job Description

This role involves providing leadership to the QA Lab Team at the South Africa facility to ensure sampling and analytical testing of materials and environmental samples is conducted in accordance with Company,

Third party and Customer standards, whist achieving Quality objectives and KPI targets.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day to day leadership of the QA Lab Team including maintenance of HR data systems pertaining to the QA Lab team, conducting performance reviews and talent management.
• Ensuring team members are trained and proficient in conducting sampling, analysis & reporting for raw materials, work in progress, finished products and environmental samples
• Management of QA Lab budget and spending.
• Ensuring all testing and associated QA lab and lab team activities are conducted in accordance with Company, Third Party and Customer requirements and in line with key quality performance indicators.
• Conducting root cause analysis for material non-compliances and Customer complaints. Provide feedback / communication to key stakeholders on factors adversely affecting product quality.
• Attendance and participation at routine plant performance review meetings
• Quality notification management (raising, coordinating investigations and close out) and non-conformance management for raw materials (Shelf life extensions, Inventory At Risk).
• Timely and accurate maintenance of data systems to ensure compliance to traceability standards and key performance indicators.
• To support the Quality and Food Safety programs by assisting with the maintenance and implementation of procedures and work instructions as required to meet customer, third party audit standards.
• Deputies as appropriate for Site QA Manager as appropriate in accordance with Incident Management protocols.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Similar role in a manufacturing environment working within Quality Laboratory and people management.
• Demonstrable people leadership skills.
• University degree in a related discipline.
• Practical experience of Good Laboratory Practices. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret analytical and microbiological data.
• Strong stakeholder management skills among multiple levels within the business as well as with external contactors and Customers. 
• Ability to provide supervision and deliver training.
• Knowledge and experience of SAP would be advantageous.
• Ability to effectively conduct root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventative action plans.