Position Overview: Salary, Type and What to Expect

The Head of Technical and Quality Assurance (SHEQ) role comes with a competitive estimated salary range of R160,000 to R255,000 per year. This is a full-time position, offering long-term prospects to candidates committed to quality and leadership.

This role is best suited for professionals with a strong background in food science or quality assurance management. The position is focused on driving continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence within the organisation.

Being in a leadership role, the incumbent will also guide teams across technical and quality domains, ensuring standards are not only met but consistently exceeded. The working environment encourages cross-functional collaboration and career growth.

Candidates with proven experience will thrive in this challenging yet rewarding post. The salary range underscores the value and responsibility placed on the position’s impact on company standards.

Applicants should note that demonstration of leadership, compliance knowledge, and technical expertise will be key in the recruitment process.

Daily Responsibilities and Job Insights

As Head of Technical and Quality Assurance, your daily activities centre on leading technical and quality teams in delivering exceptional product standards. You will ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000, and other relevant frameworks.

Providing expert support to production and R&D teams is a core part of the role, ensuring alignment on product safety, quality, and innovation. You will regularly engage with cross-functional partners to troubleshoot challenges and champion best practices.

Continuous process improvement is a focus, with initiatives for quality assurance and technical excellence forming part of your routine responsibilities. You’ll also manage audits, conduct reviews, and interpret laboratory data.

Strategic planning and training of staff help embed a culture of quality awareness and regulatory adherence. Regular problem-solving will be needed, requiring analytical skills and attention to detail.

Setting the direction for technical and quality standards, and fostering a learning mindset amongst team members, will help you and the organisation achieve targets and milestones.

Pros: Career Growth and Leadership Impact

This role places you at the centre of organisational excellence, providing an avenue to influence key decisions around product safety, quality, and compliance standards. Your leadership will directly impact company reputation and output.

The well-defined salary range and long-term prospects are attractive for those looking to stabilise and advance in their careers. There is room for professional growth and personal development through management exposure and cross-functional collaboration.

Cons: Demanding Scope and Stringent Requirements

With high responsibility comes demanding expectations—the need to juggle compliance, operations, and team management can result in workload pressure. The job requires up-to-date regulatory knowledge and the ability to quickly adapt to changes.

Applicants must come with substantial leadership experience and may face challenges around balancing strategic and tactical demands. The direct accountability for standards means performance is always under scrutiny.

Verdict: Is This Job for You?

If you are passionate about food safety, quality improvement, and technical leadership, this role will allow you to shine and influence outcomes. The position offers both professional challenge and reward.

Applicants with robust technical backgrounds and strong management skills should seize this opportunity for stable, impactful career growth in the quality assurance sector.