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Purpose:

Quality Assurance & Control Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of product quality, food safety, and compliance within the dairy production, processing, and packaging environment. The incumbent is responsible for implementing and sustaining a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that aligns with both national and international food safety standards, ensuring the organization achieves and maintains world-class export readiness.

This role partners across all business functions to build a culture of quality, drive continuous improvement, and safeguard product integrity, from raw milk collection through to finished product dispatch.

Qualification & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Microbiology, or Industrial Engineering
• 8 years’ experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Control within the dairy or FMCG manufacturing industry
• Proven track record of achieving international quality certifications (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP)
• Strong technical knowledge of dairy processing, microbiology, and food safety legislation
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations, audit processes, and compliance programs
• Solid understanding of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Leadership & Systems Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain a Quality Assurance & Control strategy and standards tailored for Namibia Dairies, in alignment with international best practices.                                                                                         
• Lead, champion, and implement a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with all mandatory national and international food safety standards (e.g., FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 22000).
• Lead, monitor, and oversee a robust Food Safety Program and subsequent Quality Control Program, processes and procedures as well as entire Food Safety Management System (FSMS) across all production, packaging, and distribution operations.                                                                 
• Provide technical advice and strategic recommendations on QMS implementation and production processes to uphold food safety and quality standards across all products.
• Review, strengthen, and align the Quality Assurance and Quality Control functions, ensuring full compliance with customer, legal, and external auditor standards, particularly in line with ISO 22000 and export certification requirements.
• Manage the entire quality auditing program, including internal, regulatory, supplier, and third-party audits.
• Maintain audit readiness at all times to meet domestic and export market requirements.
• Develop, review, and ensure effectiveness of Pre-requisite Programs (PRPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and GMP policies.
• Lead the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and 5S principles across all departments.
• Ensure the QMS and documentation are up to date, robust, and reflective of the company’s Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) policies and standards.

Quality Operations & Product Integrity

• Ensure daily plant & product quality and food safety operations are compliant with national and company policies and procedures, as well as local, state, and federal regulations. Develop a culture of compliance and discipline to Food Safety Standards.
• Oversee factory and external laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products; generate and approve Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Approve the initial quality of supplier ingredients and packaging materials in line with Service Level Agreements and technical specifications.
• Oversee the quality of raw milk from collection at milk production, tanker reception, and storage silos, providing recommendations for quality enhancement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Milk Production, Processing, Packaging, Engineering, Procurement, NPD) to ensure quality compliance, resource optimization, and consistent product excellence.
• Ensure, on a continuous basis, that ND maintains an effective quality sampling plan that meets ND and its partner’s standards and requirements
• Coordinate and supervise analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing to verify product safety and consistency.
• Coordinate and supervise factory and external lab testing of samples, ensuring accurate reporting and generation of Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Review and approve all quality records and preventive control documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Manage hold and release programs and lead the investigation of non-conforming events, ensuring effective root cause analysis and CAPA implementation.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of laboratory practices to deliver accurate and precise QC results. Manage all analytical and microbiological activities performed at the facility, ensuring reliability and precision.
• Lead incident management, traceability exercises, and develop relevant withdrawal and recall procedures in line with regulatory and export expectations.
• Oversee plant hygiene and sanitation programs, ensuring adherence to SOPs and maintaining a culture of cleanliness and compliance.

Data Analysis, Continuous Improvement & Performance Tracking

• Develop and analyse statistical data and product specifications to assess current performance and establish future standards for quality and reliability.
• Perform data analysis to identify critical trends or leading indicators, enabling proactive decision-making.
• Identify, monitor, and report on departmental key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring alignment with production and export objectives.
• Consolidate and present monthly reports on non-conformances, customer complaints, audit results, and process trends to senior leadership to support continuous improvement and enhance quality outcomes.
• Proactively assess and maintain an early warning system to minimize product loss and maximize shelf life.
• Analyse, investigate and report on all non-conforming products and processes on the SAP system. Implement and monitor corrective action and implementation of non-conforming products procedure
• Drive the application of Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies to achieve process efficiency and quality improvement.
• Keep abreast of legislative changes, technical advancements, and industry best practices related to food safety, quality systems, and dairy manufacturing.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage departmental budgets, forecast costs, and prepare CAPEX plans to support strategic quality initiatives.
• Ensure efficient use of laboratory resources and testing equipment to maximize value and reliability.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and coach the QA and QC teams to achieve departmental objectives and develop technical and leadership capability.
• Identify training needs and ensure the delivery of food safety and quality compliance programs across all departments.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence throughout the Quality function.
• Oversee and provide technical guidance to New Product Development (NPD) initiatives, ensuring new products meet defined quality and safety standards.
• Escalate non-conformance events to the Production Manager and collaborate on timely corrective actions. Ensure timeous reporting on out-of-specification results.

Closing Date: 18 March 2026

 O&L - a Great Place to Work.

Applicants meeting our requirements are invited to apply. O&L Group of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

    "This position is subject to a pre-employment screening and vetting process, and by applying for this position, applicants acknowledge that they are aware that the Company reserves the right to carry out screening and pre-employment vetting for all shortlisted applicants. Certificate of Conduct issued by the Namibian Police (not older than 6 months) may be required from all shortlisted applicants."

Requisition ID: 5525