Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager Job Vacancy in Durban, South Africa – Food & Beverage

Job Description

Position: Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

Company: Nestlé South Africa

Location: Durban, South Africa

Experience: 5-7 years

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Food & Beverage

Department: Quality Assurance

Salary: SSP 600,000 – 900,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Nestlé South Africa is a leading global food and beverage company with a strong heritage of delivering nutrition, health, and wellness solutions to millions of consumers. Operating across the country, Nestlé combines innovative product development with rigorous quality standards to maintain its reputation as a trusted brand. As part of its commitment to excellence, Nestlé continuously invests in sustainable practices, community development, and employee growth, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking rewarding career opportunities in South Africa. This role contributes directly to Nestlé’s mission of enhancing the quality of life and supporting the development of a safe, nutritious food supply chain.

Job Overview

The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager will lead Nestlé South Africa’s efforts to ensure that all products meet the highest safety and quality standards, complying with local regulations and international best practices. This position will oversee the implementation of HACCP plans, manage audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing sites. The role collaborates closely with production, R&D, supply chain, and regulatory teams to safeguard consumer health and protect the brand’s integrity. For more information about Nestlé’s career opportunities, visit South Africa Job Search.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP and GMP programs across all manufacturing facilities.
• Lead internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with South African food safety regulations and Nestlé global standards.
• Conduct risk assessments, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans for any non‑conformities.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate new product formulations for safety and regulatory compliance.
• Train and mentor cross‑functional teams on food safety protocols and quality assurance best practices.
• Monitor and analyze quality metrics, generating reports for senior leadership.
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies, certification agencies, and third‑party auditors.
• Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Required Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of HACCP, ISO 22000, and other food safety standards.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and quality management software.
• Leadership experience with the ability to influence and motivate teams.
• Project management expertise, with a track record of delivering improvement initiatives.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related discipline is required. Professional certifications such as Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) or HACCP certification are highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants should have 5‑7 years of progressive experience in food safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance within the food and beverage industry. Experience in a multinational environment and familiarity with South African food legislation are essential.

Salary

The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 600,000 to 900,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with performance‑based incentives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid parental and annual leave.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Opportunities for international assignments and career progression.

Training

• Access to Nestlé Academy for continuous professional development.
• Certification support for HACCP, ISO, and other relevant standards.
• Leadership development programs and mentorship.

Working Environment

Work in state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facilities located in Durban’s industrial hub, with a collaborative culture that values safety, innovation, and sustainability. The role offers a blend of office‑based strategic planning and on‑site operational oversight.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through the Nestlé careers portal, attaching an updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nestlé South Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.