Quality Control Manager at Lactalis South Africa

Job Overview:

• Responsible for supervising staff and management of the Quality Control laboratories i.e., Analytical Chemistry
• Laboratory and Microbiological Laboratory. Maintain GLP routines within the testing laboratories to ensure results reliability and overall laboratory performance. Ensure that all Staff in the Laboratories and In-Line QC Analysts are competent to carry out the required quality control activities necessary to minimize analytical failures, product quality failures, raw materials non-compliance, process failures and ensure Finished Goods compliance. Drive efficiency within the laboratories to ensure timely release of ingredients and Finished Products.

Requirements:

• Matric/Grade 12
• National Diploma/Degree in Food Technology or Biotechnology/Microbiology or Biochemistry
• 5-8 years’ experience in a Quality Control role within a factory environment (Management/supervisory role)
• In-depth Knowledge and working experience of ISO 17025 standards and LIMS systems
• Practical knowledge/experience in GC, HPLC, FTIR, ICP-OES etc would be advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of Food Safety Management System (development and implementation).
• Good knowledge of GMPs, PRPs, HACCP, VACCP & TACCP
• Computer literate (Excel)
• Knowledge of both Microbiological and Chemistry operations required

Required Skills    
Key Behavioural Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills, planning, time management & analytical skills
• Good verbal and written communication & facilitation skills (presentation)
• Pro-active and energetic with a high level of attention to detail/accuracy
• Excellent People Management and Interpersonal skills
• Good understanding of business processes and systems
• Intermediate to advanced level of computer literacy (Excel)
• Organizational commitment and integrity
• Logical thinker & information seeking skills
• Ability to manage and lead a team
• Self-starter with ability to use initiative
• Good customer service orientation

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establishes and upholds quality control objectives while aligning them with production procedures in collaboration with the Site Quality Manager to optimize quality, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
• Maintains high level of GLP practices in both the Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories in line with ISO 17025 requirements and through the relevant proficiency schemes.
• Supervise the Quality Control personnel, ensuring continual control of materials, facilities, services, and products within the Department. Coaches, counsels, and disciplines employees.
• Devise and implement methods and protocols for monitoring work activities, such as creating expenditure records and progress reports, to keep management informed regarding the ongoing status of work operations.
• Organizes, promotes and plans training initiatives related to quality and reliability.
• Manage staff performance through the Company Performance Management program with an emphasis on succession. Ensure initial and continuing departmental personnel training is carried out and recorded
• Formulate and execute a Workplace Skills Plan in conjunction with the HR Department
• Analyzes and resolves work-related issues or aids employees in addressing these concerns.
• Interprets company policies to employees and enforces these policies and practices.
• Investigating customer complaints concerning quality and making necessary recommendations to the Site Quality Manager and Formulations Scientist.
• Approve specifications, sampling instructions, test methods, and other Quality Control procedures.
• Ensure systems within the department are designed, implemented, and continuously improved upon to deliver meaningful and accurate information.
• Ensure Health and Safety standards, and all Regulatory and in-house policies, continued product integrity, and operator safety are upheld.
• Ensure the application of GLP standards by staff at all levels is managed to ensure products and materials are analyzed to the appropriate standards.
• Manage departmental financial, SHE, HR, and GMP responsibilities and activities.
• Set Annual Budgets and Quarterly/Monthly Forecasts
• Plan, lead, allocate, and manage departmental activities, resources, and tasks by agreed budgets, service/delivery targets, and daily/weekly/monthly plans.
• Ensure products are produced, tested, and stored according to the required SOP’s and documentation and improved to ensure compliance with GMP/GLP regulations/standards and the product license
• Complete all records and reports timeously and accurately as described in the relevant SOPs, protocols, and associated documentation.
• Ensure the required resources, systems, and SOPs are reviewed, authorized, and are regularly monitored, and adapted.
• Investigate and initiate corrective actions for all quality defects
• Maintain independence when making decisions relating to the approval or rejection of starting materials, packaging materials, intermediate, bulk, and finished products
• Promote diversity, equal opportunity, and fair treatment in the workplace