Technical Compliance Manager - Midrand at Dis-Chem Pharmacies

Dis-Chem Pharmacies has an opportunity available for a Technical Compliance Manager.  Oversee the compliance, quality assurance and new product development of all items sold in the Dis-Chem Front Shop, this includes but is not limited to Medication, Food and Non-Food products.

Minimum Requirement:

Essential:

• Grade 12 / Matric or Senior Certificate 
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dietetics, Nutrition, Biochemistry or similar.
• 8 - 10 years working experience in a similar role
• 5 Years’ experience in managing a team
• Knowledge of business law and regulations that would impact the Group

 Advantageous:

• Post graduate courses on Risk management, Compliance management, Food safety or quality system auditing, Pharmaceutical regulatory compliance or similar 

Job Description:

Regulatory and Scientific Management:

• Develop and maintain systems and technical innovations that accelerate department performance.
• Develop standard operating policies and procedures to ensure that Dis-Chem is fully compliant with industry regulations and maintain a competitive lead in the market.
• Drive investigations and lab tests when required to determine required plan of action.
• Oversee the evaluation and recommendation of new vendors based on their risk profile, regulatory compliance, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) status.
• Manage the end-to-end vendor compliance activities such as conducting audits, reviewing packaging and products, and advising management of identified risks.
• Ensure that the Choose Safe – Quality Verified Retailer programme runs smoothly.
• Liaise with labs (LGC, CSIR, Swift etc.) regarding product testing and handle associated contracts.
• Oversee internal audits for the Dis-Chem Office Canteen, advice regarding canteen matters and provide basic food hygiene training.
• Manage food safety and quality assurance standards, policies & procedures.
• Deliver relevant product specifications, registration, compliance, safety, and quality functions for all exclusive and own brand products. 

Risk Management:

• Develop parameters for risk identification and provide quarterly risk assessment to risk committee.
• Investigate and evaluate all risks relating to food safety alerts & public health risks that have impact to the organisation.
• Manage all recalls and withdrawals of products, including liaising with all relevant authorities and communication to stakeholders thereof.
• Monitor and promote compliance with relevant legislation and compulsory specifications.
• Guide stakeholders on corrective action to take regarding recall timeously.
• Promote compliance on all levels of the business and comment and communicate on new regulations where required. 

New Product Development:

• Liaise with the New Product Developer, Category Manager, Supplier, and any other stakeholders regarding product development matters.
• Provide technical input during the product development process.
• Oversee that correct product analysis is conducted and all activities associated with the projects and that deadlines are met.
• Provide guidance on concept briefs, sample evaluation, and advice on packaging and design.
• Establish systems that support NDP compliance/risk objectives and maintain records of information
• Oversee that the team conduct relevant research and that it is accurately applied.
• Provide guidance on concept briefs, sample evaluation, and advice on packaging and design. 

Stakeholder Partnership:

• Oversee handling of complaints and queries related to scientific, QA, technical and regulatory matters by reporting team and ensure that complaints are queries are closed out within a reasonable timeframe.
• Ensure that complaints and concerns are investigated, and that relevant feedback is provided.
• Oversee unresolved or serious matters and engage the relevant vendor, Category Manager, and relevant director for resolution.
• Investigate customer complaints as detailed under the Product Management section and provide direct feedback to Customers for all technical complaints.
• Ensure that suppliers take necessary corrective action and follow up where necessary thereafter.
• Liaise with industry organisations and attend relevant meetings (IFA, HPA, SCASA, CTFA etc.).
• Inform suppliers of any new regulations that could affect them. 

Reporting & Administration:

• Set up testing and sampling budgets and ensure the department function within the set budgets.
• Ensure Extended Producer Declarations are submitted timeously and in compliance with EPR packaging requirements.
• Provide input and give assistance on any sustainability projects.
• Provide relevant Director(s) with monthly feedback. 

Team Management:

• Assess and manage the Team to continually improve processes and outcomes.
• Promote a robust culture of accountability, innovation, and performance management across the customer care department, whilst modelling the company’s values.
• Assist in setting objectives for the team and tracking progress.
• Manage the team leave, overtime, and any other ad-hoc duties.
• Assist in facilitating the creation of accountable, full-service teams who understand and strive to meet the needs of all stakeholders. 

Reporting & Administration: 

• Set up testing and sampling budgets and ensure the department function within the set budgets
• Ensure Extended Producer Declarations are submitted timeously and in compliance with EPR packaging requirements.
• Provide input and give assistance on any sustainability projects.
• Provide relevant Director(s) with monthly feedback. 

Team Management: 

• Assess and manage the Team to continually improve processes and outcomes.
• Promote a robust culture of accountability, innovation, and performance management across the customer care department, whilst modelling the company’s values.
• Assist in setting objectives for the team and tracking progress.
• Manage the team leave, overtime, and any other ad-hoc duties.
• Assist in facilitating the creation of accountable, full-service teams who understand and strive to meet the needs of all stakeholders. 

Competencies

Essential:

• Approach problems in a rational, intellectual manner. Will base decisions on a logical analysis of available evidence. Managing and executing processes of a project including time, cost, quality, change, risks, and issues.
• The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business ties in with entrepreneurship.
• Acts as a role model to others and talks to others about the need for high standards and quality. Develops systems and procedures to manage data and info and shares these with others.
• Formally delivers information to groups.
• Risk management. Using data in the form of numbers to analyse concepts. Leads the development and integration of campaign plans across multiple disciplines within the organisations to gain greater efficiencies and success.
• Enforces governmental laws, rules, and regulations, and initiates enforcement actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective, and reasonable. Enables cooperative and productive group interactions.
• Deadline orientated and good time management skills. Proactive and be able to resolve problems and queries independently. Working under pressure. Accountability & Dependability. Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations. Displays emotional resilience and the ability to withstand pressure on an on-going basis. Seeks support from others when necessary and uses appropriate coping techniques.
• Deadline orientated and good time management skills. Proactive and be able to resolve problems and queries independently. Working under pressure. Accountability & Dependability. Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations. Displays emotional resilience and the ability to withstand pressure on an on-going basis. Seeks support from others when necessary and uses appropriate coping techniques.
• Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of the information to manage processes. 

Special conditions of employment:

• South African citizen
• MIE, clear criminal and credit
• Driver’s license and/or own reliable transport
• Must be able to do manufacturing site visits and store visits

Remuneration and benefits:

• Market related salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Staff account