Purpose of the role:

This role ensures compliance with food safety regulations, maintains product quality standards, and drives continuous improvement to ensure the highest level of product safety and quality within the Lucky Star Marketing department. The Manager: FSQA will conduct audits, implement food safety protocols, and ensure that all seafood products meet safety and quality standards, as well as oversee the customer complaint function.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food Safety Management:

• Develop, implement, and maintain food safety policies and procedures in compliance with industry regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, NOAA, HACCP, FSMA).
• Lead the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems specific to seafood processing, ensuring all critical control points are monitored and documented.
• Conduct regular customer audits (suppliers and co-packers) to ensure compliance with the the LS supplier quality assurance program.
• Investigate food safety incidents, non-conformities, and recalls, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) in a timely manner.
• Manages the recording, reporting and general handling of LS complaints.

2. Quality Assurance Oversight:

• Develop and enforce quality management systems (QMS) for LSM department and ensuring that they meet all regulatory, national and international quality standards.

3. Compliance and Auditing:

• Coordinate internal and external audits (e.g., FDA, third-party audits, customer inspections) to verify compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay current on relevant seafood industry regulations, including national and international standards (e.g., GFSI, ISO, BRC, SQF).
• Prepare for and lead inspections and regulatory reviews, ensuring that all corrective actions from audits are completed and documented.
• Ensure compliance with sustainability and environmental regulations, particularly for fishing practices and sourcing.
• Compile department monthly customer complaints, sustainability and compliance reports.

4. Team Leadership and Training:

• Assist and develop and implement ongoing training programs on food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements for staff at all levels across all Lucky Star plants.
• Foster a culture of food safety and quality within the team and across all production areas (local and international).

5. Supplier and Vendor Management:

• Assess and manage seafood suppliers, ensuring that raw materials (e.g., fish, shellfish, packaging) meet safety and quality standards (local and international).
• Conduct supplier audits and track supplier performance to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve any quality, customer complaints or food safety issues related to raw materials , packaging and final product.

6. Product Development & Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with R&D and production teams to ensure that new seafood products meet food safety and quality requirements.
• Monitor and analyse product quality data, identifying trends and opportunities for continuous improvement in product safety and quality.
• Drive initiatives for process optimization, waste reduction, and product consistency in the production of seafood products.

7. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive records for food safety and quality assurance activities, including inspections, audits, certifications, and training.
• Prepare detailed reports for senior management, outlining food safety performance, quality metrics, audit findings, and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure that all documentation is readily available and compliant with regulatory standards and industry certifications.

8. Product Traceability & Recall Management:

• Implement and maintain robust traceability systems to ensure complete product tracking throughout the supply chain, from harvest to finished product.
• Assist in the recall management processes, including coordination with regulatory bodies, customers, and other stakeholders in case of product recalls.

Qualifications:

• Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Quality Management, Fisheries Science, or a related field.
• Advanced certifications in food safety and quality management (e.g., HACCP, ISO 9001, SQF, GFSI) are highly preferred.

• Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance within the seafood or fishing industry, with at least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of seafood processing practices, regulations (FDA, USDA, NOAA), and relevant food safety standards.
• Experience with HACCP, GFSI, or other seafood-specific certifications and standards.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations concerning sustainable fishing practices is a plus.
• Loal and international experience in canning and food processing.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work cross-functionally with production, R&D, and senior management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and food safety management software (e.g., SAP, QAD, or similar systems).
• Ability to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and industry trends.

Contact information

Suleila Van Reenen