The QC Manager will work closely with the QC Managers at the individual processing plants, 3rd party South African processors and 3rd party processors in other origins and 3rd party value adders and contract packers, to ensure that customers are delivered safe and within approved specification product at all times. This work will include:Developing, implementing and managing a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) for the business that is integrated where possible with existing systems within other areas of the business.Ensuring the best possible level of QA Management is provided to all customers and that our products have the reputation for being the worlds premier nut products.Managing and coordinating all QA requirements between the businesses in the group, 3rd party processors and product suppliers for bulk raw product, value added product, private label and branded retail products.Ensuring that all product sold is food safe and meets the quality standards of the relevant customer and market and that the business and its suppliers are never exposed to any potential food safety issues or liabilities.Manage the QA requirements associated with the procurement of raw materials and finished product from 3rd party processors, value adders, manufacturers, packers and suppliers.TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMDevelop, implement and then manage a QMS and where appropriate integrate it with the other businesses in the groupManage the companies'' QA document register and all QA documentationAchieve and then maintain all required 3rd party QA accreditations for the business from the relevant QA authorities and registration bodies including BRCAttend and report on any quality assurance meetingsReport any quality or food safety issues to senior management as and when appropriateCUSTOMER QA MANAGEMENTManage the flow of QA documentation to and from customersComplete all customer vendor questionnaires and queriesAssist the Sales Managers to establish vendor accounts with new customers.Ensure that the business always has the valid QA documentation from all suppliers and processors, both internal and externalEnsure all customers are always in possession of up-to-date QA certificates and documentation, both internal and 3rd partyPRODUCT QUALITY MANAGEMENTCheck and approve all supplier CoAs before the shipment of product to customersWhere and when appropriate inspect supplier product prior to shipment or release of stock to customersIn particular inspect 3rd party supplier product prior to shipment or release to customers and request rework of the product by the supplier if it does not meet specification or the customer requirementsAlso inspect the business product prior to release if there is any doubt about it meeting specifications or customer requirementsWork with customers when required to have them approve the shipment of product that is outside of the normal specification but can still be used by the customer for agreed applicationsNEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTWork closely with the New Product Development Manager and suppliers / processors on thedevelopment of value added and new productsAssist with the development and documentation of specifications for new products and ensure they are kept up to dateEnsure that all recipes for new products are properly documented and the IntellectualProperty is secured within the businessAUDIT MANAGEMENTManage regular audits of the Quality Assurance System to ensure continued compliance and accreditationManage and or arrange/co-ordinate customer audits of all in-house and 3rd party processors, value adders, manufacturers, packers and suppliers where requiredWork closely with the New Product Development Manager to conduct accreditation and regular audits of all 3rd party processors, value adders, manufacturers, packers and suppliersConduct random inspections and tests of all in-house and 3rd party processors, value adders, manufacturers, packers and suppliers and report resultsSPECIFICATIONSManage and ensure uniformity of the business specifications across all in-house and 3rd party processors.Work closely with the other business QA Manager to regularly review and update all companies'' specifications and create new ones for any new products developed by the business. In co-ordination with the New Product Development Manager, develop and manage the company specifications for all newly developed product from 3rd party processors including value add, private label and retail.NON-CONFORMANCE AND COMPLAINT MANAGEMENTManage all incoming customer Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and customer complaints and co-ordinate the investigation, corrective action and responses with the business and or 3rd party processors and suppliers and respond to customersWhen appropriate visit customers to investigate NCRs, inspect the associated product and negotiate a suitable resolution with the customer and the supplier of the product.Issue and manage any outgoing supplier Non-Conformance Reports to internal processors and 3rd party processors, value adders, manufacturers, packers and suppliers then monitor corrective actions and close NCRs when resolvedManage and co-ordinate any potential product recalls with processors, manufacturers and customersPerform mock recalls as requiredWork closely with the General Manager and the Data Analyst in the design and implementation of an NCR management module within the CRM and Sales Management system that is being implemented.OTHERPrepare regular quality reports for management as required.Any other task reasonably requested by the General Manager.AUTHORITIESSign off audits both internal and 3rd party processors and suppliersApprove Certificates of Analysis before dispatch and if necessary, suspend dispatch pendingfurther investigation or customer approval or General Manager approval of product for thecustomer, market or application.Inspect and / or request additional testing of product prior to dispatch or delivery if necessary.Issue NCRs.COMMUNICATIONReports to General ManagerLiaise with:General Manager and QA ManagerNew Product Development ManagerSales Managers3rd party QA ManagersCustomers QA ManagersSupervisesREQUIRED COMPETENCIESQualifications and ExperienceA recognised Quality Assurance or Food Science degreeMinimum five years of experience in Quality Control in the food manufacturing or trading sectorExperience with nuts will be highly regardedDemonstrated familiarity with Quality Management Systems such as HACCP, BRC, Kosher and HalalPersonal Characteristics and Traits:High attention to detailStrong personality but naturally polite and diplomaticEffective written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated strong organisational abilitySalary - Market related