Quality Assurance Manager

About Thirsti

Thirsti is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing beverage companies — proudly born in the foothills of the Drakensberg. We have built a dynamic brand with national reach, world-class bottling facilities, and a strong commitment to quality. We’ve experienced exceptional growth and are just getting started. Thirsti is a business with big aspirations and even bigger potential.

We also care deeply about how we grow. We’ve built a healthy, team-focused culture where people move fast, think creatively, and support one another to do great work. It’s the kind of place that attracts people who want to be part of something meaningful — and enjoy the journey along the way.

Our roots run deep in our communities, and we’re serious about making a positive difference — creating jobs, looking after the environment, and leaving a legacy we’re proud of.

Job Purpose

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance and Food Safety functions across bottled water and packaged ice operations, ensuring products consistently meet customers, company, and regulatory requirements. The role oversees the implementation and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) and Food Safety Management System (FSMS), ensuring compliance with FSSC 22000 Version 7, HACCP, SANBWA, IBL, and all applicable legislation while promoting a culture of quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management

• Develop, implement, maintain, and improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000, HACCP, SANBWA, IBL, and customer requirements.
• Establish and monitor quality objectives and KPIs.
• Maintain quality documentation, procedures, and specifications.

Food Safety

• Lead the Food Safety Team.
• Maintain and review the HACCP Plan.
• Manage Food Safety Culture, Food Fraud, and Food Defence programmes.
• Ensure product traceability and coordinate mock recalls.

Laboratory Management

• Oversee microbiological, chemical, and physical testing programmes.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated and maintained.
• Review laboratory results and Certificates of Analysis.
• Manage environmental monitoring and hygiene verification programmes.

Production Quality Assurance

• Ensure production complies with approved specifications and quality standards.
• Verify process controls, sanitation, water quality, and packaging integrity.
• Investigate deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Audits and Compliance

• Plan and conduct internal audits.
• Lead customer, certification, and regulatory audits.
• Ensure timely closure of audit findings and non-conformances.
• Maintain compliance with applicable food safety and water quality legislation.

Supplier and Customer Quality

• Approve and monitor supplier performance.
• Investigate customer complaints using root cause analysis.
• Implement corrective actions and monitor effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Quality Management, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification will be an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in food, beverage, or bottled water manufacturing.
• At least 5 years in a Quality Management leadership role.
• Experience implementing and maintaining Quality and Food Safety Management Systems.
• Proven experience managing customer, certification, and regulatory audits.

Knowledge and Skills

• FSSC 22000 Version 6
• HACCP
• IBL
• SANBWA requirements
• ISO/IEC 17025 principles
• Microsoft Office and ERP systems (e.g., SYSPRO, Shopware)

Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving
• High attention to detail
• Planning and organisational skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Continuous improvement mindset

Market related

If you'd like to be a part of this dynamic team, drop us a CV on Sign in to view email