Job Description

Job Advert Summary

Recruitment Advert: Head of Product Quality Assurance (Head Office - Boxer Superstores)

Reference:

HOD Product Quality Assurance

Location:

Durban Head Office

Boxer Superstores

, one of South Africa's fastest-growing retailers, is seeking an accomplished and technically strong Head of Product Quality Assurance (PQA) to lead our food safety, product quality, and technical compliance strategy across the business. This senior leadership role is critical in ensuring our products consistently meet the highest standards of safety, legality, and quality. The position is based at our Head Office in Westville, KZN.

Key Purpose of the Role

To develop, implement and oversee robust Quality Assurance (QA) and food safety systems across the organisation, ensuring product compliance, effective incident management, strong supplier quality oversight, and alignment with regulatory and industry requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements

BTech Degree in Food Technology (or equivalent). Minimum 10 years' FMCG Food Industry experience, including at least 5 years in Retail. Minimum 5 years' senior management experience. Strong knowledge of Food Safety & Hygiene regulations (FDCA, HACCP, PAS96, PRPs, GFSI). ISO 9001 understanding. Excellent analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking capability. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Experience across Processed meat is required

Stakeholder Engagement

You will work closely with stakeholders at all levels--from store teams to Group Executives--as well as regulators, suppliers, laboratories, government bodies, and industry forums.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute the organisation's QA & Food Safety strategy. Drive long-term improvements that reduce recalls, severe incidents, and operational risks.

Quality Management Systems

Establish and maintain an integrated Quality Management System (QMS). Oversee internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Governance, Compliance & Regulation

Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations. Lead governance oversight, audits, surveys, and corrective/preventive action plans.

Supplier & Product Quality Oversight

Oversee supplier quality standards for national brands, confined label products, service providers and GNFR. Lead investigation and management of all product quality and food safety incidents, including full accountability for withdrawals and recalls.

Product Testing & Data Analytics

Manage microbiological, chemical, and physical testing programmes. Analyse QA data and trends to drive improvements and inform decision-making.

Training & Capability Building

Develop and oversee QA and Food Safety training across the organisation.

Additional Technical Requirement: Processed Meat Factory Experience

Given Boxer's operational environment and product mix, candidates must demonstrate strong technical experience within a processed meat factory environment, including:


Deep understanding of processed meat production, food safety risks, and compliance requirements. Experience managing product quality systems (FSSC22000), microbiological risks, and regulatory standards specific to processed meats. Assist the factory Quality Assurance Manager on all related quality assurance, incident investigations, and supplier/production facility compliance.

This expertise is essential to ensure robust oversight of Boxer's processed meat value chain and alignment with industry and regulatory expectations.