About Company
Astral Foods is a leading South African integrated poultry producer, dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious food products to consumers across the nation. With a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability, Astral Foods encompasses the entire poultry value chain, from animal feed to broiler breeding, farming, and processing. Our mission is to nourish lives by consistently delivering safe, affordable, and quality protein. We are proud of our contribution to the food security of South Africa and our role as a significant employer and economic driver in the communities where we operate. Joining Astral Foods means becoming part of a team that values integrity, teamwork, and a passion for quality, contributing to a vital industry that impacts millions daily.
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Job Description
As a Quality Assurance Technician (Food) at Astral Foods in Standerton, Mpumalanga, you will play a critical role in upholding our unwavering commitment to food safety and product quality. This is an on-site, full-time position fundamental to our operational integrity, ensuring that all food products manufactured at our facility meet the highest national and international standards, as well as our stringent internal specifications. You will be responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining quality control procedures across various stages of food production, from raw material inspection through to final product release. This role requires a meticulous individual with a strong understanding of food science principles, excellent analytical skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will work closely with production teams, ensuring adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, and other regulatory requirements. Your contribution will directly impact consumer confidence and the reputation of Astral Foods as a trusted provider of quality poultry products. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to grow within a dynamic and essential sector of the food industry, making a tangible difference in the quality of food consumed by thousands. We are looking for someone who is not just performing tests but is truly passionate about ensuring every product leaving our facility is safe, wholesome, and meets the superior standards Astral Foods is known for. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, an excellent communicator, and a vigilant guardian of our quality promise. You will be instrumental in conducting routine quality checks, maintaining detailed records, and assisting in internal and external audits to ensure continuous improvement in our quality management systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting regular quality control checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods according to established specifications and procedures.
- Performing physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses on food samples using standard laboratory techniques and equipment.
- Monitoring critical control points (CCPs) and operational prerequisites (OPRPs) within the production process to ensure compliance with HACCP plans.
- Ensuring strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), hygiene standards, and food safety regulations throughout the facility.
- Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all quality checks, test results, and corrective actions taken.
- Identifying, investigating, and reporting non-conformances, and assisting in the implementation of corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
- Assisting in the preparation for and participation in internal and external quality audits.
- Calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment to ensure accurate testing and reliability of results.
- Collaborating with production teams to resolve quality issues and promote a culture of quality awareness.
- Conducting sensory evaluations of products to ensure consistency in taste, texture, and appearance.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a Quality Assurance or Quality Control role within the food industry.
- Strong understanding of food safety management systems (HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000).
- Proficiency in performing laboratory tests (e.g., pH, moisture, microbial plating).
- Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
- Ability to interpret technical data and apply problem-solving techniques.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer literacy, particularly with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel).
Preferred Qualifications
- National Diploma or Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
- Knowledge of South African food regulations and standards (e.g., R638, SANS 10049).
- Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
- Certification in HACCP principles.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package.
- Medical Aid contributions.
- Provident Fund/Retirement Annuity.
- Generous annual leave.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a leading food company.
- Employee wellness programs.
- Stable and essential industry employment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume is up-to-date and highlights your relevant experience and qualifications for this role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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