Reporting Line: Technical Manager

Location: Blackheath, Western Cape

Purpose of the role:

The Head of Technical is responsible for all technical functions relating to food safety, quality, environmental
sustainability and health & safety compliance within the manufacturing environment. This role provides strategic
leadership to ensure compliance with statutory regulations, customer standards, and internal company objectives. The incumbent will lead the Food Safety and Quality team, manage technical excellence across the business, and promote a culture of continuous improvement, sustainability, and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Food Safety Management

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve food safety management systems such as FSSC 22000 and others as applicable.
• Conduct regular GMP audits, inspections, and assessments to ensure compliance with local and international food safety regulations.
• Collaborate with production and quality assurance members to address and resolve food safety issues promptly.
• Updating & improvement of the FSMS.
• Ensure traceability, allergen management, and due diligence systems are robust and up to date.
• Lead the Food Safety Team, driving a strong food safety culture.
• Proactively identify emerging risks in the food manufacturing sector and prepare preventative measures.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and enforce stringent quality control policies, procedures, and standards throughout the production process.
• Monitor and evaluate production processes to maintain consistency and adherence to quality specifications and drive improvement thereof.
• Conduct regular sensory evaluations, inspections, and quality tests on finished products along the NPD department.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of high-quality products.
• Champion a culture of “right-first time” across departments.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Take full accountability for occupational health and safety (OHS) compliance.
• Ensure that the site meets legal OHS requirements (OHSACT, DOL inspections, etc.).
• Drive a zero-incident culture via training, leadership, and compliance.
• Chair of the Health & Safety Committee.
• Ensure effective use and monitoring of PPE across all departments.

Environmental & Waste Management

• Drive compliance with environmental legislation (NEMA, Air & Water Acts).
• Monitor and reduce energy, water, and waste consumption.
• Lead waste separation, recycling, and waste-to-value initiatives.
• Implement and improve site environmental management system.

Supplier and Raw Material Management

• Evaluate, approve, and monitor suppliers based on their adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Ensure incoming raw materials meet specified quality requirements through rigorous inspection and testing procedures.
• Maintain updated supplier quality agreements, documentation, and records.
• Collaborate with NPD for sign-off of new raw materials and technical processes.

Personnel Management

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the food safety and quality assurance team.
• Set clear goals and objectives, conduct performance evaluations, and provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability within the department.

Audit & Certification Management

• Prepare and lead all external (certification, customer, regulatory) audits.
• Ensure ongoing readiness and compliance with food safety, quality, and safety standards.

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and drive projects focused on reducing environmental footprint.
• Collaborate with production to optimize process efficiency and reduce losses.
• Promote a site-wide culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Training and Development

• Provide comprehensive training programs to production and quality assurance teams on food safety protocols, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Organize workshops and seminars to enhance awareness and understanding of evolving industry practices and regulatory changes.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements in food safety and quality assurance.

Financial and Strategic Management

• Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring effective allocation and utilization of resources.
• Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Prepare quarterly forecasts, and variance analyses related to food safety and quality operations.
• Align departmental goals with overall company strategy.

Skills and Competencies Required:

• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems (FSSC 22000) and OHSACT.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership abilities to motivate and guide teams towards achieving quality objectives.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting.
• Financial acumen and budget management skills.

Minimum Qualifications and Critical Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or related field.
• Certification in FSSC 22000 or equivalent food safety management system.
• At least 8–10 years’ experience in food manufacturing with 5+ years in a senior technical leadership role.
• Proven experience in Health & Safety management and audit preparedness.
• Experience in managing environmental systems and waste minimisation programs.
• Strong knowledge of applicable food safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and system implementation.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel if necessary.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a dedicated Food Safety & Quality team and shape the future of our technical function.
• Work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where your ideas make a real impact.
• Be part of a company that values people, safety, and sustainability just as much as performance.
• Grow your career in a business recognised for excellence in food manufacturing.

Join us to make a difference – for our customers, our people, and our planet.

Application:

Please e-mail your CV (with references) to Elandi Jacobs at elandi@emcon.net.za; and Tyi-sha Jacobs at
ty-isha@canirusks.co.za with a motivation highlighting why you should be considered for the position.
Application deadline: 16th of February 2026.

In order to consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information. The
Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another’s
personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination, and use of that person’s personal information
must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your
personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed
and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/. Printed copies of this Processing
Notice can also be accessed from the HR department. We kindly request that you read the HR Processing
Notice to ensure that you understand how Libstar uses and processes your personal information.