Quality Management professional with over 20 years' FMCG experience and a successful career delivering efficiency, standardisation and improvements in business operations. Solid experience in implementing and maintaining Quality and Food Safety Systems.
Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Manager
Africa Sunoil
3 2019 - Current
Development and implementation of an Integrated Management System (SHEQ and Food Safety) for the plant with the purpose of obtaining certification (FSSC 22000, ISO 14000, ISO 18000, SEDEX and RSPO)
Developing and maintaining food safety, quality, risk, SHE and sustainability management monthly and annual reporting and feedback loops with internal and external stakeholders
Developing the SHEQ and Laboratory Department Operational structure, job profiles and job specification based on the organisational needs
Management, mentoring and coaching of the Quality team (QA Coordinator, 3 x Food Safety Technicians, 3 x Senior Laboratory Technicians and 11 Laboratory Technicians)
Developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods and procedures for the Laboratory including round robin testing processes management
Development of packaging, raw material, process, and final product specifications and COAs
Development of a Supplier Quality Assurance Program
Identifying and implementing improvement opportunities related to product quality and food safety
Conducting internal systems and process audits
Assessment, justification and submission of the SHE, Quality and Laboratory department’s Operational Budget requirements
Development, implementation of Research and Development including management of trials and collation of technical reports
Management of service provider contracts of variuos programs, e.g. pest control, laundry, hygiene, etc.
Identification of SHEQ training needs including training plans and materials as required by the business, including SHEQ induction programs
Developing and implementing QC and testing plans
Managing departmental industrial relations
Conducting regulatory compliance gap analysis and risk assessments with regards to the organisation's operations and proposing corrective action as required.
Training team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
Evaluating new technologies and methodologies for potential implementation within the organisation''s quality assurance program, staying ahead of industry trends.
Conducting regular audits to ensure adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
Driving successful product launches with rigorous NPD and pre-release testing protocols that minimized post-launch issues.
Reducing defects in products by conducting thorough inspections and identifying areas for improvement.
Streamlining testing processes by introducing automated tools, increasing efficiency and reducing errors.
Championing a customer-focused mindset across the organization by emphasising the importance of consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
Facilitating communication between departments regarding quality concerns, fostering collaboration towards shared goals.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of product issues, leading to timely resolutions and continuous improvements.
Mentoring junior staff members in best practices for quality management, contributing to overall team growth and development.
Establishing robust quality documentation systems that ensured traceability throughout the entire production lifecycle.
Playing a crucial role in refining company manufacturing practices by providing expert guidance on technical and regulatory compliance matters.
Managing supplier relationships, enforcing strict standards for incoming materials and components to preserve product integrity and minimize rejections.
Implementing corrective action plans based on audit findings, resulting in measurable improvements over time.
Championing continuous improvement initiatives, consistently seeking ways to optimize operations for better results.
Enhancing product quality by implementing comprehensive QA processes and procedures.
Reporting production malfunctions to managers and production supervisors.
Assuring consistent quality of production by implementing and enforcing automated practice systems.
Performing root cause analysis to identify and resolve quality issues and defects.
Conducting risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential quality issues.
Investigation of customer complaints and performing corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
Conducting process and system audits to identify areas of improvement and enforce compliance with industry standards.
Assessing product quality by monitoring quality assurance metrics, reports and dashboards.
Evaluating interactions between associates and customers to assess personnel performance.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process and system improvements.
Establishing and tracking quality department goals and objectives.
Developing quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production.
Tracking quality issues with external customers, suppliers, and internal plant operations.
Applying coaching techniques and tools to support managers and team members in improving performance.
Determining quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
Collaborating with audit clients and action owners to apply root cause analysis guidance and establish effective corrective action plans.
Scheduling and chairing management review and food safety meetings to review effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction.
Specifying quality requirements of raw materials with suppliers.
Training team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
Evaluating new technologies and methodologies for potential implementation within the organization''s quality assurance program, staying ahead of industry trends.
Conducting regular audits to ensure adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
Form part of the Management of Change, HAZOP studies and plant commissioning teams
Driving successful product launches with rigorous product development and pre-release testing protocols to minimise post-launch issues.
Reducing defects in products by conducting thorough inspections and identifying areas for improvement.
Streamlining testing processes by introducing automated tools, increasing efficiency and reducing errors.
Championed a customer-focused mindset across the organization by emphasizing the importance of consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
Facilitating communication between departments regarding quality concerns, fostering collaboration towards shared goals.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of product issues, leading to timely resolutions and continuous improvements.
Mentoring junior staff members in best practices for quality management, contributing to overall team growth and development.
Establishing robust quality documentation systems that ensured traceability throughout the entire production lifecycle.
Continuous reviewing of company manufacturing practices by providing expert guidance on technical and regulatory compliance matters.
Managing supplier relationships, enforcing strict standards for incoming materials and components to preserve product integrity and minimize rejections.
Implementing corrective action plans based on audit findings, resulting in measurable improvements over time.
Preventing costly recalls by proactively addressing potential risks before they escalate into larger issues.
Championing continuous improvement initiatives, consistently seeking ways to optimize operations for better results.
Reporting production malfunctions to managers and production supervisors.
Inspecting products and worker progress throughout production.
Monitoring departmental staff and implementing improvements to daily functionality.
Performing root cause analysis to identify and resolve quality issues and defects.
Developing and implementing comprehensive quality assurance plans to monitor product quality and adherence to regulatory standards.
Conducting risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential quality issues.
Creating and maintaining quality management systems to align with industry standards.
Investigating customer complaints and performing corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
Conducting process and system audits to identify areas of improvement and enforce compliance with industry standards.
Assessing product quality by monitoring quality assurance metrics, reports and dashboards.
Evaluating interactions between associates and customers to assess personnel performance.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement process and system improvements.
Establishing and tracking quality department goals and objectives.
Developing quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production.
Tracking quality issues with external customers, suppliers, and internal plant operations.
Determining quality department standards, practices, and procedures.
Applying coaching techniques and tools to support managers and team members in improving performance.
Collaborating with audit clients and action owners to apply root cause analysis guidance and establish effective corrective action plans.
Scheduling and chairing management review and food safety meetings to evaluate effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput and achieving customer satisfaction.
Quality Assurance Manager
National Brands Limited (Snackworks)
06.2018 - 02.2019
Collating, implementing, and monitoring quality and food safety procedures and methodologies throughout the plant
Continually assessing operational and inspection systems to drive efficiencies and ensure continual compliance
Managing and ensuring the effective operation of the Integrated Management System for the site (AIB and FSSC 22000)
Identifying and implementing improvement opportunities related to product quality
Ensuring correctness of product specifications and compliance to set standards/specifications
Management and resolution of customer complaints
Conducting internal systems and process audits
Liaising and supporting the NPD and marketing teams to ensure delivery of organisational targets
Conducting Supplier Audits against the AIB standard
Liaising with suppliers on quality and technical issues
Managing the cleaning and pest control contracts
Operational budgeting and cost control
Management, mentoring and coaching of the Quality team (QA Supervisor, Food Safety Technician, Systems Technician, Laboratory Technician and 14 Quality Control Technicians)
Managing industrial relations
Ensuring regulatory compliance with regards to the organisation's operations.
Trained team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
Evaluated new technologies and methodologies for potential implementation within the organization''s quality assurance program, staying ahead of industry trends.
Conducted regular audits to ensure adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
Quality Manager
Digistics Digital Logistics
07.2017 - 05.2018
Planning, implementing, and updating of all quality documentation (policy; procedures and checklists)
Ensuring regulatory compliance with regards to the organisation's operations
Planning and coordinating quality and food safety audits such as AIB, DQMP (McDonalds); DART (KFC) and DQSP- Transport and Warehouse
Training and providing tools to the internal auditing team to ensure that the 6 Distribution Centres comply with DQSP
Management of the hazard analysis as part of approval of any new / existing or change in product handling (be part of team approving PIS)
Calibrate receiving staff on Quality Inspection Plans
Presenting system's feedback during quarterly reviews with clients
Presenting QA feedback during EXCO meetings
Managing data logged on RPC’s / customer complaints for non-conformance on system
Managing complaints data, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions, to ensure a decrease in total complaints
Monitor RPC’s claimed against Digistics
Document control
Plan Health and Safety audits
Coordinate and plan external audits in all distribution centres
Approval of vendors with assistance of DQSP team
Ensuring that gaps identified from external and internal audits are closed out
Standardising system tools and techniques across the supply chain to ensure sustainability and management of risk
Managing external KPI audits; tracking of trends in relation to product performance and safety integrity
Coordinating the food safety team's activities and ensuring that HACCP studies are current and relevant
Managing supply chain visibility and alignment through process development and communication to ensure connectivity across divisions
Encourage Continuous Improvement in the DC’s
Identification and coordination of communication campaigns promoting critical areas
Coaching and supporting team members where necessary to achieve objectives
Team development, training, and succession plan preparation
Coordinating food security, traceability, and recall programs.
Drove process standardization by creating and implementing SOPs, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced deviations.
Inspected inbound and outbound products for compliance with established industry standards, company policies, and procedures.
Provided training to employees on best practices in quality management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
Championed data-driven decision making by conducting regular reviews of performance metrics and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Liaised with HR manager to organize and perform quality standard training for new and existing staff.
Developed and deployed production control plans and created work instructions and procedures.
Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
Wrote and implemented new rework procedures to standardize processes and streamline workflow.
Sorted product and provided expertise on non-conforming product requirements.
Mentored junior staff members in quality management principles, fostering professional growth among team members.
Followed quality standards and procedures to minimize errors and maximize customer satisfaction.
Calibrated instruments and scales in production area and quality lab.
Led continuous improvement initiatives by actively seeking opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
Evaluated quality problems and performed assessments to identify and resolve issues.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by monitoring and addressing customer complaints promptly and efficiently.
Coordinated and oversaw periodic audits to evaluate product quality and safety and address non-conformances.
Devised specifications for processes.
Updated quality control standards, methods, and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
Promoted a proactive approach to risk management within the organization, mitigating potential concerns before they escalated into larger issues.
Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Evaluated and approved new suppliers based on thorough assessments of their quality management systems, ensuring ongoing reliability in the supply chain.
Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
Improved product quality by implementing stringent inspection processes and quality control measures.
Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
Conducted thorough audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance consistently.
Provided observations, took measurements, and performed tests at various stages according to quality control plan.
Equipped and organized facility to comply with company strategy for online and offline quality controls.
Increased efficiency of the QMS by regularly reviewing procedures and making updates based on changing business needs or industry advancements.
Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration, ensuring seamless communication between departments regarding quality matters.
Collaborated with suppliers to improve raw material quality, ensuring consistency across all sourced components.
Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Reduced product defects by introducing advanced testing methodologies and equipment into production processes.
Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
Increased customer satisfaction through adherence to quality standards and customer requirements.
Optimized supply chain operations through close collaboration with vendors on quality assurance matters, improving supplier relationships over time.
Improved quality processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
Managed root cause analysis investigations, determining underlying issues in product failures and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Quality Assurance Manager
Sime Darby Hudson and Knight
12.2010 - 07.2017
Acting as a focal point and leader to all quality related programs
Managing and guiding the organisation to establish quality and food safety standards as per customer, industry, and market requirements
Promoting the quality culture and ensuring that all quality standards are met throughout the organisation by all departments and suppliers
Evaluating, implementing, and developing QA procedures and established quality assurance and quality control methodologies/standards in order to clarify the quality objectives of the organization
Collating, establishing, and reviewing the company’s quality procedures, standards, and specifications
Reviewing customer requirements and ensuring that they are met
Working with purchasing staff to establish quality requirements from external suppliers
Monitoring performance by gathering relevant data and producing statistical reports
Responsible for leading product recall, withdrawal, and food defence programs
Leading and coordinating verification programs – internal audits, supplier audits, management reviews, food safety meetings; etc
Leading quality investigations
Managing the analytical laboratory contract – reportees (1 Lab Manager and 10 Analysts)
Implementation and maintenance of FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001.
Trained team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
Evaluated new technologies and methodologies for potential implementation within the organization''s quality assurance program, staying ahead of industry trends.
Conducted regular audits to ensure adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
Quality and Food Safety Management Systems Auditor
SABS (South African Bureau of Standards)
06.2008 - 12.2010
Preparation of audit programs according to Certification and client’s requirements
Conducting audits (site verification and interviews) against the various schemes while demonstrating in-depth understanding of industry core processes, business environment, and practices, to colleagues, clients, and other industry specialists
Leading audit teams (conduct opening meetings, resolution of any audit issues, collation of audit findings and report collation and presentation)
Ensuring that all administration and reporting is kept up to date (Within scope of control)
Issuing quotes for the audit and provide audit schedules to the clients.
Planned audits and audit activities to allocate necessary resources and determine consistency of plans with audit objectives.
Developed strong relationships with clients, building trust and ensuring a high level of satisfaction during the audit process.
Adapted plans and schedules to meet changing priorities of work objectives, resources and workload demands.
Communicated with auditee staff to obtain necessary information for audits.
Mentored junior auditors, sharing knowledge and best practices to foster their professional growth within the team.
Administered auditing program to address risks and evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements.
Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement.
Maintained confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the audit process.
Interviewed business owners to understand needs and explain audit scope.
Consulted clients on internal control systems development and audit program improvements.
Followed established auditing processes to meet internal and regulatory requirements.
Managed multiple concurrent audit engagements, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
Planned and executed follow-up audits at appropriate intervals.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of risk and implement preventative measures.
Conducted risk assessments to determine areas requiring increased focus during subsequent audits.
Interviewed auditees to gather data needed to conduct audits.
Streamlined audit processes, improving efficiency and reducing time spent on each audit engagement.
Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
Provided detailed documentation on audit findings, facilitating swift corrective action when necessary.
Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
HACCP Coordinator/ QA Manager
Epic Foods
06.2006 - 06.2008
Managing the Microbiology and Analytical Laboratories and all related functions
Monitoring and auditing of products to ensure high standards of quality
Ensuring products comply with legislation and quality assurance codes
Ensuring that all QA Tests are carried out on time and in full
Delivering presentations to an audience of Manager Level within the business and during management reviews
Providing weekly and monthly reports to senior managers on performance
Identify training needs and recommendations to the business
Collating and keeping quality documentation up to date
Making sure that all QA records, data & information are available to managers
Liaising and managing plant hygiene and pest control
Ensuring non-conforming products are identified and placed on restriction
Driving and coordinating the customer complaints and corrective action processes
Ensuring that the plant follows the developed Quality Program in carrying out duties and responsibilities
Assists in providing quality data required to support Management Review audits.
Quality Officer
German Butchery
06.2005 - 06.2006
Ensuring products comply with legislation and quality assurance codes
Development and implementation of the PRP program and HACCP system
Ensuring that all QA Tests are carried out on time and in full
Development and implementation of Quality plans and conducting Quality checks as necessary
Delivering presentations to an audience of Manager Level within the business and during management reviews
Providing weekly and monthly reports to senior managers on performance
Identify training needs and recommendations to the business
Collating and keeping quality documentation up to date
Making sure that all QA records, data & information is kept up to date
Liaising and managing plant hygiene and pest control
Ensuring non-conforming products are identified and placed on restriction
Driving and coordinating the customer complaints and corrective action processes
Conducting GMP Audits
Coordinating 3rd Party and Customer audits including closing of findings raised.
Quality Controller
Seemanns Quality Meats
06.2003 - 07.2004
Carrying out QC testing including but not limited to temperature, pH, Brix, moisture, length, diameter for the various lines in the process
Preparation of trends and ensuring that nonconformities are actioned
Providing weekly reports on the performance of the various lines
Identifying training needs and recommendations to the business
Collating and keeping quality documentation up to date
Making sure that all QA records, data & information are kept up to date
Liaising and monitoring of plant hygiene and pest control
Ensuring non-conforming products are identified and placed on restriction
Managing the customer complaints and corrective action processes.
Education
National Diploma Food Technology
University Of Johannesburg
Doornfontein
04.2005
Skills
Manufacturing Processes
Specification Development
Quality Assurance Management
Continuous Improvement
Project Management
Product Development
Risk Analysis and Mitigation
Trend Analysis
Budget Preparation
Process Development
Test management (Gas Chromatography, NIR, Spectrophometer, Lovibond Photometer, OSI - Rancimat, Autotitration, etc)