Quality Manager

Job Description    

• Join Lactalis South Africa, a global leader in the dairy industry, at our Ladismith Plant as a Food Safety Specialist. In this critical role, you will be responsible for monitoring food safety elements on the production floor, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs) in accordance with our rigorous Food Safety System. Your duties will include following up on corrective actions, identifying and mitigating potential food safety risks, and assisting in control procedures to ensure compliance with quality standards. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 5 years' experience in dairy manufacturing, strong knowledge of supplier auditing and management systems, and expertise in microbiology and analytical chemistry. Fluency in English and computer literacy are essential. Join our dedicated team at Lactalis South Africa in Ladismith and contribute to delivering safe, high-quality dairy products that delight consumers worldwide.

Required Skills    

• Proven expertise in laboratory management within the food industry, ensuring compliance with Lactalis procedures and global quality standards.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in implementing and auditing food safety management systems, including FSSC 22000 and HACCP.
• Proficient in conducting internal and external audits, with a track record of supporting customer audits (e.g., Woolworths) and regulatory inspections by authorities such as the Department of Agriculture.
• Strong analytical skills in managing raw milk quality data, collaborating closely with operational teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory budgets effectively, optimizing costs and resource allocation to support business objectives.
• Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills, facilitating industrial projects, root cause analyses, process improvements, and KPI achievement across quality, industrial, and maintenance teams.
• In-depth understanding of hygiene, cleaning, and sanitation protocols, including CIP process validation and adherence to established cleaning schedules.
• Experience coordinating export certification and audits, ensuring compliance with export regulations and prompt resolution of any audit findings.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field, supported by substantial relevant industry experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of escorting auditors, engaging multiple stakeholders, and effectively managing customer complaint resolutions.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Oversee all laboratory operations to ensure strict adherence to Lactalis standard procedures and global quality standards.
• Implement and sustain food safety management systems, including FSSC 22000 and HACCP, coordinating regular internal and external audits to maintain certification and compliance.
• Lead external customer audits and regulatory inspections, ensuring preparedness and successful audit outcomes.
• Collaborate with operational teams to monitor raw milk quality, perform root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage laboratory budgets effectively, including external testing and audit-related expenditures.
• Coordinate hygiene and sanitization validation programs, ensuring compliance with Master Cleaning Schedules and cross-departmental standards.
• Support cross-functional projects and quality improvement efforts by providing leadership and facilitating problem-solving activities.
• Administer export certification processes and audits, ensuring all documentation and submissions comply with export regulations.
• Conduct internal audits to identify training opportunities and promote a culture of quality and continuous development within the plant.
• Liaise with external auditors, address customer quality complaints promptly, and implement corrective actions to minimize non-quality losses.