Technical Assistant – Food Safety, Auditing & Management Systems

The Opportunity

Our client is looking for an experienced Technical Assistant to join their technical function within a food safety, auditing and certification environment.
This is a technical governance role, supporting the Technical Manager across audit quality, management systems, auditor performance, certification and accreditation requirements.
The successful candidate will also act as 2IC to the Technical Manager, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced Food Safety or Quality professional who has strong technical, auditing and management systems experience and is ready to take on broader responsibility.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Technically reviewing audit reports before release to clients and relevant business units.
• Monitoring auditor performance, including scorecards, trends, assessments and competence reviews.
• Supporting the effective implementation and maintenance of food safety and management systems.
• Developing and maintaining audit checklists, reports, procedures, work instructions and technical documentation.
• Ensuring relevant standards, regulations, legislation, certification requirements and customer requirements are monitored and communicated.
• Supporting accreditation and certification requirements and processes.
• Supporting certification decisions in line with applicable requirements.
• Monitoring technical non-conformities and corrective actions.
• Communicating changes to standards, procedures, forms and technical requirements to auditors and relevant stakeholders.
• Liaising with auditors, Operations, coordinators, key accounts and other stakeholders on technical matters.
• Identifying opportunities for technical improvement and supporting ongoing compliance.
• Acting as 2IC to the Technical Manager when required.

What We Are Looking For

You will need to bring a solid combination of food industry knowledge, auditing experience and management systems expertise.

Minimum requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a related field.
• At least 5 years' industry experience.
• At least 5 years' experience in management systems relevant to scheme auditing.
• At least 2 years' experience in certification and accreditation requirements.
• At least 2 years' experience managing personnel.
• Strong knowledge of auditing principles, procedures and techniques.
• Good understanding of relevant standards, management systems, legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong computer literacy and Microsoft Office skills.
• Knowledge of ISO 19011 and the applicable IRCA/SAATCA requirements.

Advantageous:

• Previous auditing experience.
• SAATCA or IRCA registered Lead Auditor training.

The Person

We are looking for someone who is:

• Analytical and highly detail-oriented
• Technically strong and confident
• Ethical and diplomatic
• Assertive and decisive
• Systematic, precise and accurate
• A strong communicator
• Able to work independently and take ownership
• Comfortable engaging with auditors and senior stakeholders
• Tenacious and solutions-focused
• Adaptable and able to manage competing technical priorities

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to step into a role with real technical influence.
You will have visibility across the auditing and certification function, contribute to maintaining technical and accreditation standards, influence auditor performance and support the Technical Manager across a broad Sub-Saharan African operation.

If you are an experienced Food Safety, Quality, Auditing or Management Systems professional who enjoys the technical side of the industry and wants to broaden your impact, this could be the next step for you.