Head Of Product And Quality Assurance (Remote)

Job Title:

Head of Product and Quality Assurance (QA)

Company:

House of Macadamias

Location:

Remote / Stellenbosch

About Us:

House of Macadamias is a leading producer and distributor of premium macadamia products globally. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, we strive to deliver excellence in every aspect of our operations. Our mission is to bring the highest quality macadamia products to our customers while maintaining rigorous standards of quality and sustainability.

Job Description:

The Head of Product and Quality Assurance (QA) will play a critical role in driving product development, ensuring product quality, and maintaining regulatory compliance. This position will lead the product management and QA teams to develop, implement, and monitor processes that guarantee the highest standards of product excellence and reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Management:

• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch, including product planning, development, and go-to-market strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, marketing, sales) to define product vision, strategy, and roadmap.
• Conduct market research and analyze industry trends to identify new product opportunities and improvements.
• Develop detailed product specifications, requirements, and timelines.
• Manage the product portfolio, ensuring alignment with company goals and customer needs.

Product Development + Quality Assurance:

• Establish and maintain QA processes, standards, and best practices to ensure product quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the QA team in developing and executing test plans, test cases, and test scripts.
• Monitor and analyze product performance, identifying and addressing quality issues and defects.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, certifications, and regulations (e.g., ISO, FDA, etc.).
• Manage the execution of all food safety management systems and programs.
• Ensure quality control of raw materials and finished products.
• Assist in setting quality standards and ensure that production is maintained at such standards.
• Maintain the long-term continuity of production and service quality.
• Keep records of all tests conducted.
• Oversee the daily workflow and schedules of the quality department.
• Provide training and support to quality assurance and production teams on systems, policies, procedures, and core processes.
• Create training materials to support staff and lead in food safety demonstrations.
• Identify and analyze non-conformance issues, then recommend and facilitate solutions to these issues.
• Analyze and investigate product complaints or reported quality issues.
• Be authorized to release product, issue certificates of analysis, initiate recall procedures, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure all check sheets are correctly completed and all non-compliance situations that are found have the correct action taken and signed off.
• Collaborate with manufacturing plant operations on new products.
• Arrange, coordinate, and participate in external quality audits.
• Manage the quality of input ingredients, ensuring they meet required standards and specifications.
• Oversee the acquisition and review of Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for raw materials and finished products to verify compliance with quality standards.
• Manage product specifications and lab testing to ensure input ingredients and final products are in compliance.
• Arrange sample tasting for new and existing products on a regular basis. Collect feedback and suggestions for further modification if needed.
• Test out raw materials and ingredients and provide the buyer with instant feedback.
• Prepare product specifications, formulas, technical reports, and test run plans.
• Ensure product and packaging are in accordance with design quality and conduct troubleshooting on raw materials, final product, and process if needed.
• Support Production to ensure production procedures meet the required technical requirements.
• Keep updated on market developments and industry trends to lead the industry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an R&D environment, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• Previous recipe renovation and/or development experience preferred.
• Broad understanding of raw materials and ingredients in the local market.
• Knowledge of food and safety regulations including USDA, FDA, CFR, etc.
• Proven track record of successfully managing product lifecycles and delivering high-quality products.
• Strong knowledge of QA methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and industry standards (e.g., ISO, FDA).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity for professional development and growth.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Contribution to a leading brand in the premium food industry.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for product excellence and quality assurance, we encourage you to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience to robert@houseofmacadamias.com.