Quality Assurance Supervisor

Join National Brands Limited (NBL) and be part of a legacy that has shaped South Africa’s biscuit tradition for over 170 years. With two iconic factories in Isando and Westmead, we produce beloved brands like Bakers Tennis®, Blue Label Marie®, and Choice Assorted®; creating moments of joy for generations of South Africans. At NBL, you’ll work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where innovation, quality, and teamwork thrive.

Why Join National Brands Limited (NBL)?

• Make an Impact: Contribute to producing South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands, influencing daily life.
• Innovative Growth: Be part of a forward-thinking environment that encourages product and process improvement.
• Career Development: Access a range of roles and growth opportunities at one of NBL’s 5 world-class facilities.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, team-driven environment where your contributions matter.

Step Into a Role That Makes an Impact! We’re seeking a Quality Assurance Supervisor to drive success at NBL Isando Biscuits in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This role is designed to be responsible for all quality control functions. Interacting with internal leaders in the various sections of the factory and outside, the incumbent will ensure that all inspection and testing done are accurate and credible.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Quality Manager
• Direct Reports: 8

Key Areas of Impact:

People Management:

• Draw up shift schedules and delegate responsibilities and duties to Quality Assurance Technicians so that the department runs smoothly, with even distribution of workload throughout the shift
• Manage and be accountable for Quality In-Service Trainees and their project deliverables. Set goals and conduct regular one on one’s with the Trainees. Drive formal performance reviews and identify performance gaps. Ensure gaps are addressed through training.
• Assume additional responsibility in the absence of the Quality Assurance Manager
• Collate Quality reports in the QA Managers Absence
• Ensure registers and labour control documents are completed for all direct reports.
• Evaluate and report to QA Manager on any problem areas or discrepancies in respect of QA Technicians tasks for plant/ process procedures
• Manage performance of staff
• Management of absenteeism and discipline – ensure swift action, should transgressions arise, to address these immediately.
• Attend meeting in place of QA Manager as required
• Manage daily KVI sessions and liaise with Head Office on bi-weekly external KVI
• Mentor and train In-service/ Work experience Trainees in the Quality Department. Manage their work rotation schedule for the department

Control of Non-Conforming Product:

• In conjunction with relevant personnel, isolate non-conforming product.
• Ensure all H.F.I (Held for inspection) product is adequately sampled and cleared.
• Manage the process to ensure decisions re H.F.I. product are completed within 72 hours
• Oversee raw and packaging non-conformances together with the Laboratory Supervisor. Support Laboratory Supervisor in dealing with Supplier issues
• F.I area maintained efficiently and all product accounted for in respect of necessary work
• Report on HFIs in daily MDT meeting
• Facilitate investigations on quality issues identified during the shift
• Ensure all non -conformances raised for finished product and packaging problems are closed off within the agreed time frames.
• Ensure HFI report and rejection costs is up to date weekly

Customer Complaints Handling:

• Manage the Investigation of customer complaints with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that complaints are closed off within given time frame.
• Management of the roll out of associated preventative and corrective action plans
• Facilitate weekly customer complaint meeting with all associated stakeholders
• Compile monthly complaints reports with actions and timelines for the biggest complaints
• Carry out training for staff when issues are identified

Process Control

• SHOPWARE /SAP
  • Evaluate and address QA issues and address any queries. Generate product trends from Shopware
  • Liaise with QA technicians to verify accuracy of results on Shopware
  • Report all non-conforming results to the Shift Manager and raise non-conformances on these
  • Ensure correct frequency of quality checks are carried out and captured on Shopware.
  • Action non-conformances picked up during Shopware checks
  • Ensure Operators capture all quality checks on the Shopware system
  • Ensure warehouse checks are conducted and non-conformances are actioned.
  • Compile finished product COA’s when required.
• TASTING
  • Ensure samples are collected and are available at all tasting sessions
  • Ensure tasting is carried out every shift
  • Samples are checked re packaging, sealing and date coding integrity
  • Ensure online tasting portal is managed
• COLOUR STANDARDS
  • Ensure the procedures for obtaining colour standards are current and valid
  • Lead the process for setting colour standards
  • Train all relevant staff on the measurement of colour and on the setting of colour standards
  • Review of the visual quality standards when required, together with all ACCEPT-REJECT criteria.

Control of Quality Lab Measuring Equipment:

• Calibrate Quality Assurance measuring and test equipment as per the schedule and procedure against in-house standard
• Ensure all quality laboratory equipment is maintained in good order
• Arrange for timeous repairs of non - functioning equipment
• Complete and submit Capex documents around new equipment for the lab.

Training:

• Train QA technicians on relevant quality checks / equipment
• CCP training and ensuring that test cards are available at all times.
• Conduct induction in absence of Food Safety Specialist.

QMS Support:

• Food Safety team member
• Part of mock recall team
• Effective document control: correct revision of documents in use
• Conduct verification audits when required to.

Hygiene and Housekeeping:

• Manage close out of GMP findings in the processing area in conjunction with the Food Safety Specialist
• Conduct GMP and process audits on allocated areas
• Ensure all QC Technicians carry out their cleaning inspections on a weekly basis on required areas
• Highlight areas of concern to managers when necessary.
• Assist with micro swabs taken from plant and workers when requested
• Facilitate the implementation of 5s in the QC laboratory

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:

• A minimum of 5 to 8 years' experience in a QC/QA Supervisor role in the FMCG /Food manufacturing industry
• Experience with Food Safety and Quality
• Experience working in a unionized environment essential

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• A completed three year tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Quality or Industrial Engineering essential (National Diploma / BTech /BSc)

Additional Requirements that will enhance your impact for success:

• Knowledge of FSSC 22000, alternatively GFSI scheme.
• An understanding of IR principles and requirements and proven experience in managing disciplinary procedures
• Experience in leading and supervising others
• SAP proficiency required
• Statistical and data analysis ability essential
• Taking ownership and initiative in the area of responsibility

Take the Next Step with NBL

Join our team, make a real impact, and contribute to the success of South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands. Apply now and become part of a team that’s dedicated to quality ingredients, and a touch of Bakers® magic!