Nthabiseng Vilakazi
Quality Assurance
Springs
Summary
Results-driven Operations and Quality Management professional with four years of experience in FMCG and manufacturing environments, specializing in quality assurance, laboratory testing, and regulatory compliance (GMP, HACCP, QFS, Food Safety). Expertise in managing QA documentation, traceability systems, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and consumer complaint investigations enhances operational efficiency. A strong background in quality and production fosters effective cross-functional collaboration, complemented by hands-on expertise in Six Sigma, 5S, CAPA, and autonomous maintenance. Proficient in SAP, Accpac, and Microsoft Office Suite, with a dedication to driving operational excellence, ensuring product integrity, and promoting continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance
Kellogg SA
09.2023 - Current
- Conduct quality testing on raw and packaging materials and perform in-process quality checks at each production stage.
- Monitor and verify product quality at every stage, from processing through packaging, to ensure compliance with food safety standards and customer specifications and report defects with a focus on process control.
- Perform line clearance inspections at shift start/end, ensuring equipment cleanliness, correct labeling, date coding, X-Ray and metal detector checks.
- Ensure accurate completion of QA documentation and shift records.
- Conduct microbiological & analytical testing (ATP), including environmental swabs for Salmonella and Listeria.
- Investigate and resolve customer complaints, implementing corrective actions.
- Prepare and issue Certificates of Compliance (COC) and Certificates of Analysis (COA).
- Manage Quality Information Systems, including QFS documentation, retention samples, traceability exercises, and non-conformance reporting (NCRs).
- Lead daily product reviews to uphold food safety and quality standards.
- Driving food safety culture campaigns to promote best practices.
- Compile daily/monthly quality reports and analyze defect trends and other quality metrics (KPI).
- Archive documents in compliance with document control procedures.
- Coordinate QA, QC, and manufacturing batch record information to disposition raw materials, work in process, and finished goods.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve process deviations and implement CAPAs.
- Assist in compliance with QMS and customer audits and lead internal audits.
- Conduct staff training on quality systems, food safety and process standards to enhance operational knowledge and compliance.
Manufacturing Intern
Kellogg SA
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Supported manufacturing and process improvement projects in an FMCG production environment, applying Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and 5S techniques.
- Participated in Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and preventive maintenance activities.
- Conducted work sampling, time studies, and shift tracking to improve machine efficiency and production targets.
- Investigated machinery breakdowns and developed Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA).
- Monitored and analyzed production losses to identify trends.
- Prepared performance analysis reports to support management decision-making.
- Compliance with GMP and food safety regulations.
Production Intern
Kwikspace Modular Building
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Assisted in production planning and scheduling to meet project delivery timelines.
- Coordinated logistics and dispatch processes, including dispatch and return paperwork.
- Managed material handling and coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely availability of resources.
- Conducted physical stock counts and resolved inventory discrepancies.
- Performed quality inspections on materials and finished modular buildings.
- Supported the implementation of quality control measures to enhance product standards.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Operations Management
Vaal University of Technology
01.2024
Advanced Diploma - Operations Management
Vaal University of Technology
01.2023
Diploma - Operations Management
Vaal University of Technology
01.2021
Skills
Quality Assurance & Control (Lab Testing, GMP, QFS, Food Safety)
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Quality Assurance
Kellogg SA
09.2023 - Current
Manufacturing Intern
Kellogg SA
09.2022 - 09.2023
Production Intern
Kwikspace Modular Building
02.2021 - 02.2022
Advanced Diploma - Operations Management
Vaal University of Technology
Diploma - Operations Management
Vaal University of Technology
Postgraduate Diploma - Operations Management
Vaal University of Technology