Quality Assurance Controller- PepsiCo South Africa x1
- Position: Quality Assurance Controller
- Company: PepsiCo South Africa
- Location: Bethlehem
- Department: Supply Chain
- Job Requisition: 455915
Purpose of the Position
The Quality Assurance Controller is responsible for maintaining food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing standards within the production environment. The role supports quality management systems, audits, inspections, supplier management, document control, food safety programs, and customer complaint investigations to ensure products meet PepsiCo, FSSC, and AIB standards.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control and Compliance
- Verify and sign off production and quality documentation.
- Identify, record, and investigate non-conformances.
- Ensure corrective actions are implemented and closed out.
- Monitor compliance with PepsiCo quality standards and food safety requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives.
Food Safety Management Systems
- Assist with implementation and maintenance of:
- FSSC (Food Safety System Certification)
- AIB (American Institute of Baking) standards
- PepsiCo quality standards
- Review and update quality policies and procedures.
- Participate in food safety meetings and activities.
- Assist with risk assessments and food safety initiatives.
Supplier and Service Provider Management
- Maintain and update approved supplier lists.
- Manage supplier questionnaires and documentation.
- Monitor service provider performance, including:
- Cleaning contractors
- Pest control services
- Other outsourced service providers
Training and Awareness
- Update the training matrix.
- Conduct food safety and quality awareness training.
- Facilitate induction training for new employees.
- Promote quality and food safety culture throughout the facility.
Customer Complaints Management
- Assist with customer complaint investigations.
- Maintain complaint registers.
- Prepare monthly complaint reports.
- Track corrective and preventive actions.
Document Control
- Manage document control systems.
- Update document registers.
- Control revision and distribution of quality documentation.
- Ensure records remain current and compliant.
Audits and Inspections
- Assist with:
- Internal audits
- External audits
- AIB audits
- Food safety inspections
- Participate in monthly Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections.
- Prepare audit reports and corrective action plans.
Laboratory and Product Testing
- Coordinate sampling of:
- Water
- Raw materials
- Ingredients
- Finished products
- Manage microbiological testing schedules.
- Review laboratory results and escalate concerns.
- Monitor product quality trends.
Food Defence and Risk Management
- Assist with:
- Food Defence Plans
- VACCP (Vulnerability Assessment Critical Control Points)
- TACCP (Threat Assessment Critical Control Points)
- Participate in emergency response testing.
- Support risk mitigation strategies.
Preventive Programs and Quality Systems
- Manage and monitor:
- PRP (Prerequisite Programmes)
- PEM Programme
- IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
- Track temporary repairs and maintenance issues.
- Conduct factory inspections and maintenance walkabouts.
Shift and Operational Support
- Stand in for Online Quality Controllers when required.
- Support shift operations and quality activities.
- Prepare quality reports and handover documentation.
- Ensure smooth communication between shifts.
Product Documentation
- Draft Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
- Assist with product specifications.
- Maintain product quality records.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Grade 12 / NQF Level 4.
- National Diploma in:
- Food Technology
- Biotechnology
- Equivalent Food Science Qualification
Experience
- 18–24 months experience in:
- Food manufacturing
- Quality assurance
- Food safety
- FMCG production environment
Knowledge
- Food Safety Systems.
- Health and Safety standards.
- Quality assurance procedures.
- Food manufacturing regulations.
Required Technical Knowledge
Food Safety Standards
- FSSC 22000
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- HACCP Principles
- AIB Standards
- Food Defence Programs
Quality Systems
- Document control.
- Audit processes.
- Corrective action management.
- Root cause analysis.
- Supplier quality management.
Laboratory and Testing
- Sampling procedures.
- Microbiological testing.
- Product quality analysis.
- Laboratory result interpretation.
Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite.
- Data reporting systems.
- Quality management databases.
Required Competencies
Technical Competencies
- Quality assurance and control.
- Food safety compliance.
- Audit preparation and participation.
- Documentation management.
- Risk assessment.
Personal Competencies
- High attention to detail.
- Analytical thinking.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Accountability and integrity.
- Ability to work independently.
Communication Competencies
- Training and facilitation skills.
- Report writing.
- Interdepartmental communication.
- Stakeholder engagement.
Organisational Competencies
- Planning and coordination.
- Time management.
- Record keeping.
- Multi-tasking ability.