Quality Control & Fruit Grading Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Control & Fruit Grading Manager to join their Coega, Port Elizabeth team. This role is ideal for a quality professional with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of food safety, citrus processing, and—most importantly—fruit grading. You will play a key role in ensuring that all products meet rigorous quality standards, overseeing QC processes from raw material inspection through to final product sign-off. If you have solid experience in fruit grading and a passion for driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced production environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.Responsibilities: Ensuring that all final products are in-spec in every respect (within the boundaries of available resources & of control maintained by Production).Liaise with management on daily production plans.Liaising with QA:QMS Manager & NPD specialist on new & repeat orders.Monitoring processes & PRP’s for adherence to quality & food safety.Monitoring & managing QC inspection of incoming raw materials.Monitoring & managing QC in-process laboratory inspection.Monitoring & managing Line sorting (accurate in-spec vs. re-work & waste).Random monitoring of product blending & preparation.Random monitoring of dosing process aids & sanitizers.Manage subordinates within the Quality Department.Manage QC activities including, Incoming raw material inspection, In-process product & processing aids inspection, Line inspection, Waste verification inspection, and TrimmingReview & sign off on the following records.Manage QC implementation & training.Build trend analysis information as identified & required by Management, for purposes of continuous improvement related to commercial, food safety & QMS considerations.Support continuous improvement efforts by reviewing QMS documentation in relation to activities – provide input where documentation can be improved to more accurately reflect activities or improve information available from such activities.Assist the Food Safety Team in matters of quality & food safety.Conduct Internal Audits as a member of the Internal Audits team.Monitor and report on compliance of loading and relevant QC functions.Requirements: Grade 12.Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.Minimum 5 years experience in quality control management within the citrus / food industry.Fruit grading experience essential.In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, and GMP principles.Proficient in MS Office.