Quality Manager - Durban at Kerry

About the Role:

The purpose of this role is to recommend policies, objectives and strategies, including short- and long-term plans, in the implementation and co-ordination of the company policies on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and HACCP.  The Quality Manager will be responsible for maximizing quality assurance and the objectives of the assuring and safety and effectiveness of the company’s procedures, adhering to international standards at all times.  It is imperative that the QA Manager ensures that the company’s quality standards are not compromised.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for directing site food safety and quality initiatives
• Provide support to the QHSE COE and technology cluster to ensure all directives, policies and initiatives are effectively incorporated at plant level
• Ensure food safety and quality of products to meet all customer and Kerry specifications
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and quality policies, standards, procedures & work instructions
• Supervise & coordinate all laboratory testing to ensure accuracy, efficiency & timeliness of results
• Develop and maintain procedures and documentation which assure product and service quality
• Implement Quality objectives in line with the COE programs and one way of working
• Implement KPIs, targets, Quality Improvement Programs and guidelines
• Communicate process capability to commercialization team
• Supervise Product Scale Up Process with RD&A and ensure Quality requirements are agreed at the time of commercialization
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions
• Continually evaluate and trend process controls, food safety and quality programs
• Manage consumer complaints, troubleshooting, root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Manage quality and food safety issues in line with cluster communication and escalation protocols to enable appropriate level of decision making
• Maintain and active list of suppliers used by the site and engage Regional Supply Quality for audits and supporting documentation
• Responsible for quality talent management, development programs, objectives & performance appraisals
• Provide ongoing guidance, supervision, and vision to support comprehensive quality and food safety programs for Kerry; ensuring continuity of business according to Kerry, customer and regulatory expectations
• Ensure the reliability and functionality of the QA Laboratory
• Responsible for all aspects of quality control activities of raw materials, in-line and finished products

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

Leadership:

• Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions to coordinate activities
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job
• Managing one's own time and the time of others
• High level of stress tolerance; performing steadily and effectively under time pressure, regardless of setbacks, disappointments or opposition. Reacts calmly and in proportion to the significance of the issue at hand

Service:

• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
• Resource allocation, human resources & leadership technique
• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformation that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques and disposal methods
• Knowledge of commercial and regulatory requirements 

Communication:

• Presentation skills
• Communication – written & oral/ability to communicate complex ideas concisely
• Active listening
• Excellent report writing and computer skills

Problem Solving/Decision Making:

• Analytical & interpretation skills
• Decision making & judgment
• Problem Solving - enquiring mind, lateral thinking

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary Science qualification with a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience within the Pharmaceutical/Consumer Applicable food processing technology expertise and statistical process experience
• Qualified background in food chemistry, sensory, microbiology, food packaging systems & food engineering
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and change management initiatives
• Problem solving and complaint resolution
• Strong Interpersonal, communication, coaching and conflict management skills
• Understanding of product certification programs such as Kosher, Halal and Organic
• Understanding policies related to international products
• Understanding of various aspects of TQM i.e. that quality goes beyond the product itself
• Knowledge of BRC, HACCP, SPC, relevant customer standards and AIB product safety systems
• Understands and champions GMP and GLP requirements
• Strong Allergen awareness
• Knowledge of food and facility security requirements
• Knowledge of setting up and executing compliance systems