Job Description

Paarl Region: My client, an established producer of high-quality dairy products, is seeking to employ an experienced, dedicated Food Safety Officer to join their dynamic and passionate team.
Purpose of the Role: To ensure that all products meet the highest standards of quality, food safety, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements by implementing, maintaining, and improving the Food Safety and Quality Management System. This includes leading the Quality Team to support operational excellence, maintaining a strong presence in production areas, and promoting a hands-on, collaborative quality culture in line with the farm's values. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food, have a can-do attitude, and demonstrate a commitment to ownership, loyalty, and growing into a managerial role with the business over time.
Key Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To

• Implementing and maintaining Food Safety Management Systems (e.g. FSSC 22000, ISO 22000)
• Leading HACCP implementation and audits, including IBL (Woolworths), FSA, and ZA standards
• Overseeing GMP practices, risk management, and regulatory compliance
• Ensuring certification readiness (e.g. Halaal, Kosher) and documentation accuracy
• Leading and developing the QA Team, including training and competency tracking
• Managing non-conformances, customer complaints, and product release verification
• Preparing food safety and quality reports, conducting trend analysis, and ensuring clear, transparent communication across departments
• Participating in traceability exercises, recalls, and risk mitigation processes
• Overseeing procurement and quality of ingredients and packaging materials
• Maintaining accurate product costing records
• Actively engaging in the production environment and offering support to other departments as needed in a dynamic, team-based setting
• Contributing to a positive, high-energy team culture with a zest for life and farming community values

Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in Food Science / Food Technology or similar
• Minimum 5 years' QA experience in food manufacturing (dairy/cheese advantageous)
• Proven experience with HACCP, GMP, and Food Safety audits (e.g. IBL, FSA, ZA)
• Certification in FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, or equivalent
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with a transparent and interactive style
• High level of energy, versatility, and willingness to take initiative beyond formal job scope
• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset with the ability to work under pressure
• Passion for food and appreciation for a collaborative, family-oriented work culture
• Willingness to support ad-hoc operational needs in a hands-on, farm-based setting
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); QA/ERP system experience an advantage
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel occasionally
• Fluency in English and a very good command of Afrikaans

CANDIDATES WHO LIVE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO PAARL ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE