Internal Food Safety Auditor

Job Title: Internal Food Safety Auditor

Location: Spice Manufacturing Facility, Waterfall, KZN South Africa

Department: Quality Assurance / Production

Reports to: Director

Purpose of the Role:

To ensure strict compliance with food safety and quality standards across all production stages. This role requires a firm, detail-oriented individual who can confidently enforce standards, drive corrective actions, and ensure consistency in product quality and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Control & Inspection

• Rigorously monitor raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products for compliance with internal quality specifications and food safety standards.
• Execute precise visual, sensory, and physical inspections—intervening immediately on deviations.
• Ensure packaging and labelling meets all required standards.
• Report non-conforming products and escalate unresolved quality issues firmly and without delay.

Compliance & Regulatory Standards

· Enforce compliance with South African food safety regulations (e.g., SANS 10049, R638, HACCP, FSSC 22000).

• Verify that products comply with export and local market standards (if applicable).
• Audit and ensure full alignment with legal, food safety, and customer-specific requirements.

Lab Testing & Verification

• Conduct or oversee critical quality tests, including moisture content, microbial testing, and chemical analysis where required.
• Interpret test results with authority and report any deviations immediately to management.
• Maintain complete, accurate lab records and ensure all testing equipment is correctly maintained and calibrated.

Production Oversight & SOP Compliance

• Monitor production processes (blending, grinding, packaging) to ensure SOPs are followed precisely.
• Challenge non-compliance in real-time and drive accountability within production teams.
• Assist in troubleshooting production-related quality issues swiftly and effectively.
• Verify strict adherence to ingredient formulations and measurements.

Process & Hygiene Control

• Enforce hygiene, sanitation, and GMP protocols in all production zones—zero tolerance for unsafe practices.
• Conduct regular GMP audits and spot checks to ensure compliance.
• Ensure that cleaning procedures and schedules are being followed accurately and consistently.

Supplier & Raw Material Control

• Rigorously inspect all incoming raw materials for quality, integrity, and safety.
• Report non-compliant materials and work with suppliers to resolve issues efficiently.

Traceability & Recall Management

• Oversee the accuracy and accessibility of traceability documentation, batch records, and retention samples.
• Support and lead product recall drills and real-life scenarios, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed, organized documentation: inspection reports, non-conformance records, and corrective action logs.
• Take ownership of reporting deviations and following through with root cause analysis and preventive actions.

Training & Continuous Improvement

• Identify weak points in quality processes and initiate improvements proactively.
• Take a lead role in training staff on hygiene, food safety, and quality standards.
• Drive a culture of quality and accountability across all levels of production.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• National Diploma or Degree in Food Technology/Science, Biotechnology, or Quality Management.
• HACCP and FSSC 22000 knowledge and experience is an advantage.

Experience:

• 5 years+ experience in a food production or spice manufacturing environment.
• Certified internal auditor (e.g. FSSC22000, ISO 22000 or similar)
• HACCP and GMP training (preferably up to level 3 or 4)
• Experience with quality management systems.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Firm, assertive personality with the ability to enforce standards and drive corrective actions.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical thinking.
• Strong understanding of South African and international food safety regulations.
• Excellent communication—confident in giving direction and challenging non-compliance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; able to generate and manage reports and records efficiently.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where quality cannot be compromised.

Working Conditions:

· Based in a manufacturing environment with regular production floor presence.

· May require extended hours during audit periods

Should you meet the above criteria, please email your cv to

elaine@maharajasspices.co.za

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 2025/05/15

Information :

• Company : Maharajas Spices
• Position : Internal Food Safety Auditor
• Location : Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal
• Country : ZA