Quality Assurance Technologist

Full description

Company Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Location - Town / City Wadeville Job Description Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) presents an exciting opportunity for a Quality Assurance Technologist CCBA Wadeville. The role will report to the Quality Assurance Manager. CCBA is the 8th largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 14 000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 800 000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 14 countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and the islands of Comoros and Mayotte. Functional Capabilities: - Product quality and food safety testing - Statistical process control and trend analysis - Non-conformance management and RCA - Quality system adherence (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, KORE) - Laboratory equipment operation and calibration - Support of audits and quality inspections - HACCP and GMP compliance monitoring - Documentation and data integrity - Quality awareness and coaching at line level Key Duties & Responsibilities Key Outcomes: Laboratory and In-Line Quality Control - Conduct analytical, chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. - Perform quality checks on production lines (Brix, CO2, torque, fill height, appearance, etc.). - Ensure adherence to the Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) and product specifications. Process Monitoring and Product Release - Monitor key process parameters and perform real-time interventions where deviations are observed. - Verify that corrective actions are implemented and effective before product release. - Approve or reject product batches based on quality results. Data Management and Reporting - Record test results accurately and timeously in laboratory systems and quality logs. - Compile and analyse quality trend reports and escalate anomalies. - Maintain sample retention and traceability documentation. Quality Incident Management - Assist in investigating product and process non-conformances, consumer complaints, or foreign matter incidents. - Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPA). - Escalate unresolved issues to the Quality Manager. Calibration and Equipment Maintenance - Ensure laboratory instruments are maintained, calibrated, and used in accordance with SOPs. - Perform routine checks and liaise with equipment service providers when necessary. Systems and Standards Compliance - Participate in internal and external audits (e.g., FSSC, KORE, customer audits). - Monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), hygiene, and housekeeping compliance. - Support quality system implementation and maintenance (SOPs, work instructions, records). KBI: - First Time Right (FTR) performance (%) - Product Quality Index / Conformance Rate (%) - Number of quality non-conformances (internal and external) - Consumer and customer complaints (per million units) - Laboratory turnaround time and sample throughput - Quality audit findings and closure rates - Equipment calibration compliance (%) - Product release accuracy and rejection rate Skills, Experience & Education Education - Minimum: National Diploma in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Analytical Chemistry, or Microbiology - Preferred: BTech or BSc in Food Science, Chemistry, or related discipline - HACCP and ISO/FSSC certifications are advantageous Experience - 1–3 years’ experience in a quality assurance or laboratory environment in the FMCG or beverage industry - Experience in in-process and final product testing - Exposure to quality management systems (ISO 9001, FSSC 22000) - Experience working in a certified food safety and manufacturing environment Skills - Proficiency in laboratory testing (chemical, physical, and microbiological techniques) - Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety principles - Ability to interpret technical specifications and quality standards - Working knowledge of KORE and regulatory requirements (NRCS, SABS) - Accurate data recording, reporting, and statistical trend analysis - Familiarity with ERP or QMS platforms (SAP, LIMS, Intelex – advantageous) - Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) - Attention to detail, teamwork, and critical thinking skills General All Application must have the following documents attached: - Updated CV - Highest qualification The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional or relevant information as criteria for short-listing. Interested applicants, who meet the above employee specifications, should please apply.