QA Technologist - Enterprise Food Governance

About the Role

As a Quality Assurance (QA) Technologist within Enterprise Food Governance (EFG), you will support product quality, food safety and compliance across the Shoprite Group. Your responsibilities will include supplier and manufacturing site management, food safety verification, audit programmes, product testing and customer complaint investigations. You will maintain accurate records on the EFG system and work with Regulatory & Compliance and Private Label Technical Development to support compliant product launches and effective follow-up on non-conformances.

Key Duties

• Manage supplier relationships and monitor adherence to Shoprite Group's Supplier Minimum Food Safety Requirements.
• Conduct ongoing supplier compliance monitoring, record maintenance and liaison.
• Assess new suppliers and manufacturing sites for food safety approval.
• Manage the upload, verification and maintenance of supplier, manufacturing site and food safety certificate records on the EFG system.
• Conduct manufacturing site inspections and investigate supplier-related quality and food safety concerns.
• Administer the Food Analysis Programme and follow up on results and corrective actions.
• Review documentation for new product launches, including food safety management systems (FSMS), claims substantiation and nutritional reports, in collaboration with Private Label Technical Development and Regulatory & Compliance.
• Coordinate internal store audit programmes and audits of supplier finished goods at distribution centres (DCs); monitor non-conformances and corrective action closure.
• Engage with regulatory authorities and relevant assignees, in collaboration with Regulatory & Compliance, to address compliance matters and notices.
• Support product recall processes and respond to quality and food safety queries from stores, DCs and suppliers.
• Investigate customer complaints, conduct trend analyses and follow up on corrective actions.
• Participate in food safety risk assessments and contribute to EFG reporting.
• Contribute to EFG projects relating to quality assurance, food safety and compliance.
• Travel locally from time to time as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, BTech in Food Technology, BSc in Chemistry or Biochemistry, a relevant qualification in Nutritional Sciences, or equivalent. Minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role, including food production and technical specifications. 1-2 years of experience working with Quality Management Systems.