Quality Control Manager

Department:

Quality Control

Site:

403 - Premier Kroonstad Mill

Job Type Classification:

Permanent

Location - Town / City:

Kroonstad

Job Description:

Job Purpose: To lead, manage, and maintain laboratory quality control operations and the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, SANAS, ILAC, regulatory, and customer requirements. The Quality Control Manager ensures the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of laboratory testing, maintains accreditation compliance, develops technical competency within the laboratory, and drives continuous improvement to support business, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and maintain the laboratory Quality Management System in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, ILAC, SANAS, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Ensure the technical validity, accuracy, reliability, and integrity of laboratory testing and reporting activities.
• Provide technical oversight for method validation, method verification, measurement uncertainty, and metrological traceability.
• Manage laboratory accreditation activities, including SANAS assessments, internal audits, corrective actions, risk management, and scope extensions.
• Oversee proficiency testing (PT) and inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) programmes, ensuring effective investigation and resolution of non-conforming results.
• Ensure personnel competency through training, authorization, performance monitoring, and ongoing development.
• Manage laboratory equipment lifecycle activities, including calibration, verification, maintenance, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with data integrity, record management, and confidentiality requirements associated with laboratory operations.
• Monitor laboratory performance against key quality indicators, turnaround times, and customer requirements, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Initiate, implement, and maintain laboratory procedures, technical records, and quality system documentation, ensuring alignment with accreditation, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the review of laboratory performance indicators, quality objectives, and operational efficiencies.
• Manage laboratory resources, including staffing, consumables, and budget requirements, to ensure effective and efficient laboratory operations.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and support to laboratory personnel and key stakeholders.

Qualification Requirements:

Biotech/Food Technologies Degree (Essential)

FSSC 22000 Lead Auditor Certification (Essential)

ISO 17025 Introduction & Implementation (Essential

Experience Requirements:

QC Manager from Grain Milling Industry with 3-5 years in both roles

QC Managers from FMCG food producing sites

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge and application of ISO/IEC 17025, ILAC requirements, SANAS accreditation criteria, and laboratory quality management systems.
• Demonstrated technical competence in method validation, method verification, and the evaluation of method performance characteristics.
• report measurement uncertainty using various approaches, including Bottom-Up, Top-Down, and GUM methodologies.
• Sound understanding of metrological traceability, calibration systems, reference materials, quality control practices, and data integrity principles.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate proficiency testing (PT) and inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) programmes.
• Strong knowledge of SANAS technical and accreditation requirements, including the application of documents such as R80, F176, R51, F48, and R26.
• Demonstrated competence in managing accreditation assessments, internal audits, corrective actions, risk management, and continual improvement processes within an accredited laboratory environment.
• High attention to detail, sound decision-making ability, and a commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Experience as a Technical Expert, Internal Auditor, SANAS-approved Technical Signatory, and/or Nominated Representative within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory will be advantageous.

Working Conditions:

Availability after hours

Overtime work may be required

Pressurised environment

6-day position

May be required to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays