Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Manager will report directly to the Chief Operations Officer, providing leadership and direction for all quality assurance functions. This role will encompass the oversight of quality control measures throughout the supply chain, the administration of audits and compliance protocols, as well as the supervision of quality assurance teams. Additionally, the position requires ensuring strict compliance with both local and international food safety and export standards, including Global. A.P., HACCP, BRC, phytosanitary regulations, and any customer-specific mandates.
Oversee core duties and essential functions, ensuring all operational and strategic objectives are met with precision. Facilitate seamless collaboration across departments to drive productivity and maintain high standards of performance. Implement and monitor key processes to uphold compliance with organizational policies while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Serve as a primary liaison for stakeholders, addressing inquiries and resolving issues efficiently to support organizational goals. Provide leadership in executing projects on time and within budget, evaluating outcomes to identify opportunities for enhancement.
Quality Assurance & Food Safety Systems
Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality assurance frameworks, food safety protocols, and stringent quality standards to ensure avocado maturity, size, color, firmness, appearance, weight, ripeness, and overall product consistency meet established benchmarks.
Supply Chain Quality Assurance responsibilities include overseeing product quality from procurement through delivery, implementing rigorous inspection protocols at each stage of the supply chain, and collaborating with suppliers to address and resolve quality-related issues promptly. Duties encompass developing and enforcing quality standards, conducting audits, and analyzing performance metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement. Additionally, the role requires coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and customer specifications. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in quality management systems, along with experience in a related field such as logistics or manufacturing.
Responsibilities include managing quality control measures throughout sourcing, harvesting, packing, storage, transportation, and export operations. Perform regular inspections of incoming produce and oversee post-harvest handling practices to minimize bruising, spoilage, contamination, and product losses.
Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to maintaining regulatory adherence, conducting thorough audits, and securing necessary certifications to uphold organizational integrity and operational excellence.
Ensure adherence to all applicable local and international food safety regulations as well as export standards. Oversee the execution of internal quality audits and facilitate external assessments conducted by regulatory agencies, certification organizations, and export clients.
Handle and resolve customer complaints efficiently while implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence, ensuring adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements. Analyze complaint trends to identify root causes and develop systemic improvements. Document all interactions and resolutions in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate timely resolutions and enhance customer satisfaction.
Investigate customer and export partner quality complaints by performing comprehensive root cause analyses, then devise and execute corrective and preventive measures to minimize recurrence and enhance overall quality standards.
Experienced leaders sought to drive team performance through strategic guidance and employee development initiatives. Candidates must demonstrate a strong ability to mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, setting clear performance expectations, and implementing training programs that align with organizational goals. Ideal applicants will possess excellent communication skills, a track record of leadership success, and the capacity to inspire and motivate teams toward achieving exceptional results.
Oversee a team of quality assurance inspectors and quality control personnel, delegating tasks, evaluating performance, and providing training to farmworkers, packhorse staff, and inspectors on quality benchmarks, sanitation protocols, food safety regulations, and proper handling techniques.
The role involves overseeing reporting systems, ensuring traceability across processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
Maintain meticulous quality records, inspection reports, traceability documentation, and certification records with precision. Evaluate quality performance data to identify trends, then implement corrective actions that reduce waste, enhance product consistency, boost export acceptance rates, and advance sustainability and traceability objectives.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving project demands are required. Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively convey complex information to stakeholders. Prior experience in project management or leadership roles is highly desirable.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Microbiology, or a related discipline is required.
A minimum of seven years of hands-on experience in quality assurance, specifically within the food processing sector, is required.
Proficiency in quality control procedures, testing methodologies, regulatory compliance, and food safety standards is essential.
Experience in quality management systems, laboratory operations, audit processes, and export compliance regulations is highly desirable.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
