Quality Assurance & Control Manager – Namibia Dairies

Quality Controller
Windhoek
March 8, 2026
Full Time Contract

Job Description

Quality Assurance & Control Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of product quality, food safety, and compliance within the dairy production, processing, and packaging environment. The incumbent is responsible for implementing and sustaining a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that aligns with both national and international food safety standards, ensuring the organization achieves and maintains world-class export readiness.

 

This role partners across all business functions to build a culture of quality, drive continuous improvement, and safeguard product integrity, from raw milk collection through to finished product dispatch.

 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Quality Leadership & Systems Management

  • Develop, implement, and maintain a Quality Assurance & Control strategy and standards tailored for Namibia Dairies, aligned with international best practices
  • Lead and implement a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with national and international food safety standards (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 22000)
  • Monitor and oversee Food Safety and Quality Control Programs across production, packaging, and distribution
  • Provide technical advice and strategic recommendations on QMS implementation and production processes
  • Review and strengthen QA/QC functions ensuring compliance with customer, legal, and audit standards, including ISO 22000 and export requirements
  • Manage internal, regulatory, supplier, and third-party audit programs and maintain audit readiness
  • Develop and maintain PRPs, SOPs, SSOPs, GMP policies, and implement GMP, HACCP, and 5S principles
  • Ensure QMS documentation reflects company FSQ policies and standards

Quality Operations & Product Integrity

  • Ensure plant and product quality operations comply with policies, procedures, and regulations
  • Oversee factory and external laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products; approve Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
  • Approve initial quality of supplier ingredients and packaging materials
  • Oversee quality of raw milk collection, tanker reception, and storage silos
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality compliance and consistent product excellence
  • Maintain an effective quality sampling plan
  • Coordinate analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing; review and approve all quality records
  • Manage hold and release programs, investigate non-conforming events, implement CAPA
  • Oversee laboratory practices and manage analytical and microbiological activities
  • Lead incident management, traceability, withdrawal, and recall procedures
  • Oversee plant hygiene and sanitation programs, ensuring adherence to SOPs

Data Analysis, Continuous Improvement & Performance Tracking

  • Develop and analyse statistical data and product specifications to assess performance
  • Perform data analysis to identify trends and inform decision-making
  • Monitor and report departmental KPIs, aligning with production and export objectives
  • Present monthly reports on non-conformances, customer complaints, audit results, and process trends
  • Maintain early warning systems to minimize product loss and maximize shelf life
  • Investigate non-conforming products and processes using SAP; implement corrective actions
  • Drive Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies for process and quality improvement
  • Stay updated on legislative changes, technical advancements, and industry best practices

Financial & Resource Management

  • Manage departmental budgets, forecast costs, and prepare CAPEX plans
  • Ensure efficient use of laboratory resources and testing equipment

People Leadership & Development

  • Lead, mentor, and coach QA/QC teams to achieve objectives and develop capabilities
  • Identify training needs and deliver food safety and quality compliance programs
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence
  • Provide technical guidance to New Product Development initiatives ensuring quality and safety standards
  • Escalate non-conformance events to Production Manager and ensure timely corrective actions

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCES:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Microbiology, or Industrial Engineering
  • 8 years’ experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Control within the dairy or FMCG manufacturing industry
  • Proven track record of achieving international quality certifications (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP)
  • Strong technical knowledge of dairy processing, microbiology, and food safety legislation
  • Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations, audit processes, and compliance programs
  • Solid understanding of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies

The company ONLY accept applications vis their career portal. Interested candidates can apply via the link below:

Apply online via: O&L Career Portal

 

Closing Date: 18 March 2026

Location