Applicants are invited to apply for the QA Senior Analyst Packaging position in the Extrinsic Quality Department at Springs, South Africa. The position reports to the QA Specialist Packaging.
Purpose of the Job
To provide senior technical quality support for packaging and dry goods by implementing and sustaining risk-based quality systems, ensuring fit-for-use materials, driving Quality at Source, and supporting supplier quality performance to enable delivery of quality products at the right cost. The role supports packaging quality governance, high-risk incoming inspections, defect escalation, data analysis, and continuous improvement in line with global standards and South African operational requirements.
Key Performance Areas
Safety, Food Safety & Sustainability
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment in accordance with established safety protocols, 5S, and HACCP standards.
- Ensure departmental compliance with company SHE policies and the Occupational Health and Safety Act through ongoing education and training.
- Foster a culture of safety with the goal of achieving a zero-accident workplace.
- Ensure packaging and dry goods quality controls support product safety, legal compliance, and food safety requirements.
Packaging and Materials Quality Processes
- Implement and maintain robust quality governance systems to support Production in reducing the cost of poor quality, including blocked stock, rework, and write-offs.
- Ensure compliance with internal governance practices and conduct regular quality audits.
- Oversee QA systems within the packaging and materials environment to achieve First Time Right.
- Drive Quality at Source principles in packaging, materials, and logistics.
- Manage non-conforming materials to prevent unintended use.
- Support problem-solving initiatives related to packaging materials and processes.
- Assist with implementing new products and processes.
- Align measurement and monitoring activities with risk-based principles and global packaging material standards.
- Maintain accessible and up-to-date quality-related SOPs.
- Investigate quality deviations, failures, and potential risks, initiate corrective actions, and ensure effective closure.
- Implement risk-based incoming material quality controls for packaging and dry goods in line with global standards.
- Support physical inspections for defined high-risk material deliveries or escalation scenarios.
- Define standards, escalation routes, and capability requirements for line teams as part of Quality at Source.
- Ensure governance for material containment, non-conformance management, and supplier escalation.
TPM and Continuous Improvement
- Drive and support quality improvement initiatives across packaging and materials processes, including ISO 9001, Food Safety, and TPM opportunities.
- Contribute to DCS (Daily Control System) meetings and process optimization initiatives.
- Facilitate problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct internal assessments of Packaging’s Quality Management Systems using ICC (Internal Control Checklist) methodologies.
- Set priorities and develop, implement, and maintain best-in-class standards and basic conditions.
- Participate in packaging performance discussions focused on downtime, waste, and quality metrics.
- Analyse packaging and dry goods quality losses and support cross-functional improvement actions.
Experience and Skills
- B.Sc. degree or National Diploma in one of the Natural Sciences.
- 3–5 years of working experience.
- Understanding of food safety requirements.
- Product and process knowledge within the Distell portfolio.
- At least two years’ experience in a Quality Department.
- Sound knowledge of CCPs, QCP, and process control.
- Solid communication skills.
- Willingness to work overtime.
- Team player with a willingness to coach and train team members.