Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director Job Vacancy in Salima, Malawi – Food Processing & Manufacturing

Job Description

Position:Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director

Company:Tiger Brands Limited

Location:Salima, Malawi

Experience:Minimum 10 years in food safety and quality management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within food manufacturing

Education:Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or related field. HACCP, FSSC 22000, or ISO 22000 Lead Auditor certification required

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Food Processing & Manufacturing

Department:Quality Assurance & Food Safety

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Tiger Brands Limited is a leading African food manufacturer with a rich heritage spanning over a century. As one of the largest food companies on the continent, we are committed to nourishing and enriching the lives of consumers across Africa with trusted, high-quality food brands. Our Malawi operations, based in Salima, represent a strategic hub for our regional expansion, focusing on producing safe, nutritious, and affordable food products for the Malawian and export markets. We operate with the highest standards of food safety, quality, and ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring our products meet both local regulatory requirements and international benchmarks. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth makes us an employer of choice for professionals seeking impactful careers in the food industry. We are dedicated to creating a workplace that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, contributing positively to Malawi’s economic development and food security.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director to lead and oversee all aspects of food safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Salima. This senior leadership role is critical to ensuring that all products manufactured meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and consistency, protecting both consumer health and the company’s brand reputation. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and maintain a world-class Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS), driving a culture of quality excellence throughout the organization. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the quality landscape of a major food manufacturer in Malawi, influencing processes from raw material sourcing to finished product distribution. For more Malawi Jobs and Career Opportunities in Malawi, visit our partner portal. https://malawijobsearch.com

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s integrated Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) in alignment with FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, and relevant Malawian standards.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Quality Assurance and Food Safety department, setting clear objectives, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Ensure full compliance with all local (Malawi Bureau of Standards – MBS) and international food safety regulations, standards, and customer requirements.
• Lead internal and external audits, including those from regulatory bodies, certification agencies, and key customers, ensuring zero critical non-conformities.
• Oversee the management of all quality control laboratories, including microbiological, chemical, and physical testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods.
• Establish and monitor a robust supplier quality assurance program, conducting audits and performance reviews of key raw material and packaging suppliers.
• Investigate and resolve critical quality incidents, customer complaints, and non-conformances, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma and other methodologies to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and optimize processes.
• Lead the site’s HACCP team and manage the risk assessment process for all products and processes.
• Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for quality testing, equipment, and team development.
• Serve as the primary management representative for all food safety and quality matters, reporting directly to the Plant Director and Group Quality leadership.

Required Skills

• Expert knowledge of international food safety standards (FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, BRCGS) and Malawian food regulations.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing quality team.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a data-driven approach to quality management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from production staff to senior executives.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards, with an unwavering commitment to product safety and quality.
• Project management skills, with experience leading cross-functional quality improvement projects.
• Proficiency in quality management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Crisis management and incident response capabilities.

Education

A Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field is mandatory. The candidate must possess a recognized Lead Auditor certification in FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, or a similar GFSI-benchmarked scheme. Additional certifications in HACCP, Food Defense, and allergen management are highly desirable. Continuous professional development in emerging food safety risks and quality trends is expected.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance within a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or food manufacturing environment is required. At least 5 years must be in a senior leadership or directorial role, with full responsibility for a site’s quality management system. Candidates must have hands-on experience managing regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and customer audits. Experience in a multinational food manufacturing corporation and exposure to African markets will be a significant advantage. A proven track record of successfully implementing and maintaining certified food safety management systems is essential.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive remuneration package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid scheme for employee and immediate family.
• Company-provided vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Generous pension fund contribution.
• Annual leave allowance exceeding statutory requirements.
• Professional development and international training opportunities.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Salima.
• Life and disability insurance cover.

Training

• Induction program covering company policies, safety protocols, and quality culture.
• Advanced leadership and management development training.
• Regular updates on global food safety standards, regulatory changes, and emerging risks.
• Technical training on new laboratory equipment and testing methodologies.
• Sponsorship for relevant international conferences and workshops.

Working Environment

You will be based at our modern, hygienic food manufacturing plant in Salima, a key economic zone in Malawi. The role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires a balance of strategic office work and hands-on floor presence. You will lead a dedicated team of quality professionals and collaborate closely with Production, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Commercial departments. The position demands a high level of responsibility and accountability, with occasional requirements to work outside standard hours to address critical quality issues or support production schedules. We foster a culture of safety, quality, and respect, where your expertise will be valued and your leadership will make a tangible difference to our operations and consumers.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role via our online recruitment portal. The application deadline is [Date – 3 weeks from posting]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. The selection process will include panel interviews, a practical case study assessment, and reference checks. Explore more Jobs in Malawi and Employment in Malawi through our regional partners. https://botswanajobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-botswana/

Equal Opportunity Statement

Tiger Brands Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all sections of Malawian society. Discover additional Job Vacancy in Malawi and Hiring in Malawi opportunities across the continent. https://rwandajobsearch.com/