Quality Assurance Specialist

Quality \& ISO Officer

Qualifications

• Education:

A National Diploma or Degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field (NQF Level 6 or higher is often preferred).

• Experience:

2–4 years of experience in QA/QC, ideally in an industrial, manufacturing, or engineering environment.

• ISO Knowledge:

Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 is essential; experience with ISO 27001 (Information Security) or ISO 13485 (Medical) is a strong advantage.

• Technical Familiarity:

Understanding of OT, PLC systems, or industrial networking.

• Technical Skills:

Knowledge of QCTO/SAQA frameworks, ETQA processes, and statistical quality control

• Certifications:

Internal Auditor Certification (ISO 9001) is required; Lead Auditor certification is preferred.

• Skills:

Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel), strong analytical skills, and high attention to detail.

• Lead Auditor Certification:

ISO Lead Auditor training in the relevant standard is frequently listed as essential or highly advantageous.

Years’ Experience

• Quality Assurance Experience:

3–5 years of experience in quality assurance, quality control, or compliance management, often within a specific industry like FMCG or manufacturing.

• Auditing Experience:

Proven track record of conducting internal audits and managing non-conformance/Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) processes.

• System Implementation:

Experience in developing and implementing QMS (Quality Management Systems) documentation and procedures.

Main Purpose of the Position

The main purpose of a Quality \& ISO Officer is to

establish, maintain, and improve the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS)

to ensure products and services consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. They act as the central point of contact for quality standards (such as ISO 9001), driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of quality throughout the company.

Core Responsibilities \& Purpose:

• Compliance Assurance:

Ensuring the company adheres to ISO standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.

• Process Improvement:

Identifying inefficiencies and driving, maintaining, and developing the QMS to improve operational performance.

• Risk Management:

Implementing a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating risks to quality.

• Customer Satisfaction:

Driving initiatives that ensure product and service quality meets or exceeds customer expectations, leading to reduced complaints and returns.

• Audit Management:

Planning and managing internal and external audits to verify QMS effectiveness.

• Documentation Control:

Maintaining and controlling quality-related documentation (procedures, manuals, work instructions).

Key Objectives:

1. Elevate Consistency:

Standardize processes to deliver reliable outcomes.

1. Reduce Waste/Errors:

Lower costs associated with rework, nonconformity, and inefficiency.

1. Ensure Certification:

Lead efforts in achieving and maintaining ISO certifications.

1. Promote Quality Awareness:

Train staff to understand their role in quality and engage employees in continuous improvement.

Top 5-10 Main Duties

QMS Implementation and Maintenance

• Define and Deploy Procedures:

Establish, implement, and document processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.

• Ensure Compliance:

Guarantee the QMS conforms to ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

• Maintain Documentation:

Maintain accurate documentation, including the quality manual, procedures, and records.

Internal Auditing and Inspections

• Conduct Internal Audits:

Plan and carry out regular internal audits to evaluate the efficiency of the QMS and its processes.

• Identify Non-conformances:

Identify and document any deviations from established quality standards (non-conformances).

• Monitor Supplier Quality:

Conduct audits and evaluations of suppliers to ensure the quality of incoming materials.

Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)

• Root Cause Analysis:

Investigate the root causes of quality issues, non-conformances, or customer complaints.

• Implement Corrective Action:

Take action to resolve non-conforming products or processes to prevent recurrence.

• Drive Continuous Improvement:

Analyze QMS data to identify trends and implement changes that enhance process efficiency and effectiveness.

Reporting and Management Liaison

• Report to Top Management:

Report on QMS performance, highlighting areas for improvement and auditing results.

• Coordinate Management Reviews:

Facilitate management review meetings to assess the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the QMS.

• External Audit Liaison:

Act as the primary contact for external auditors from certification bodies and handle external audit coordination.

Training and Cultural Promotion

• Employee Training:

Train and educate employees on quality standards, procedures, and their specific roles in the QMS.

• Foster Quality Culture:

Promote awareness of customer requirements and the importance of quality throughout the organization.