QA Senior Analyst Packaging at The Heineken Company

Purpose of the Job

• To provide senior technical quality support for packaging and dry goods by implementing and sustaining risk-based quality systems, ensuring fit-for-use materials, driving Quality at Source, and supporting supplier quality performance to enable delivery of quality products at the right cost.
• The role supports packaging quality governance, high-risk incoming inspections, defect escalation, data analysis, and continuous improvement in line with global standards and South African operational requirements.

Key Performance areas would include, but not limited to:

Safety, Food Safety & Sustainability

•  Maintains a clean and organized work environment in accordance with established safety protocols, whilst adhering to 5S and HACCP standards
• Ensures departmental compliance with company SHE policies and the Occupational Health and Safety Act by promoting ongoing education and training.
• Fosters a culture of safety by encouraging staff commitment to all safety procedures, rules, and processes, with the goal of achieving a zero-accident workplace.
• Ensure packaging and dry goods quality controls support product safety, legal compliance, and food safety requirements.

Packaging and Materials Quality Processes

• Implement and maintain robust quality governance systems—including policies, practices, and procedures—to support Production in reducing the cost of poor quality (e.g., blocked stock, rework, write-offs).
•  Ensure compliance with internal governance practices and conduct regular quality audits.
• Oversee the maintenance of QA systems within the packaging and materials environment to achieve First Time Right.
• Drive the implementation and sustainability of Quality at Source principles in packaging and the materials and logistics environment.
• Ensure non-conforming materials are effectively managed to prevent unintended use.
• Support problem-solving initiatives related to packaging materials and processes.
• Assist in the successful implementation of new products and processes.
• Ensure measurement and monitoring activities are aligned to risk-based principles and global packaging material standards.
• Maintain up-to-date and accessible Quality related SOPs for packaging and materials departments.
• Identify, investigate, and initiate corrective actions for quality related deviations, failures, and potential risks, ensuring effective closure of loops.
• Implement and sustain risk-based incoming material quality controls for packaging and dry goods in line with global standards.
• Support physical inspection activities only for defined high-risk material deliveries or escalation scenarios.
• Support implementation of Quality at Source by defining standards, escalation routes, and capability requirements for line teams.
• Ensure clear governance for material containment, non-conformance management, and supplier escalation.

TPM and Continuous Improvement

• Drive and support quality improvement initiatives across packaging and materials processes and support the implementation of identified opportunities or corrective actions within the working environment (e.g., ISO 9001, Food Safety, TPM)
• Contribute to DCS (Daily Control System) meetings and process optimization initiatives as required.
• Facilitate problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives within the packaging and materials environment
• Conduct internal assessments of Packaging’s Quality Management Systems using ICC (Internal Control Checklist) methodologies.
• Drive improvement processes by setting priorities and developing, implementing, and maintaining best-in-class standards and basic conditions.
• Participate in packaging performance discussions, focusing on downtime, waste, and quality metrics.
• Analyse packaging and dry goods quality losses (e.g. waste, downtime, blocked stock) and support cross-functional improvement action 

The successful candidate must have the following experience/skills:

• B. Sc. degree or National Diploma in one of the Natural Sciences.
• 3-5 years of working experience
• Understanding of food safety requirements
• Product and process knowledge within the Distell portfolio
• At least two years’ experience in a Quality Department
• Sound knowledge of CCP’s, QCP and process control
• Solid communication skills
• Must be prepared to work overtime.
• Must be a team player.
• Must display willingness to coach and train team members