Hygiene & Food Safety Manager

Job description

Yalelo Ltd see

Yalelo Ltd seeks to hire an experienced and qualified candidate to Hygiene & Food Safety Manager responsible for upholding the highest standards of hygiene throughout the entire production process and extend support to the retail value chain. This includes overseeing the implementation of sanitation protocols and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and standards. The role is key to maintaining exceptional levels of hygiene, pest control, product quality, and regulatory compliance across the production chain.

This position is based at our production site in Siavonga.

The Right Fit candidate will be responsible for the following:

1. Food Safety Strategy & Compliance

Develops and enforces comprehensive food safety and hygiene policies aligned with international standards (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP).
Champions a strong food safety culture across all departments and leads organisational change initiatives.
Monitors evolving food safety regulations and ensures timely updates to internal practices.
Leads risk assessments and maintains robust recall and traceability protocols.

2. Analytical, Laboratory & Fish Health Management

Oversees lab operations, fish health protocols, and biosecurity measures across production stages.
Implements standardised analytical procedures and ensures rigorous quality control.
Monitors environmental hygiene and sampling activities aligned with PRPs and CCPs.

Tracks trends in fish health/product quality and initiates corrective actions based on data.

3. Training & Organisational Development

Designs strategic training programs to drive awareness and compliance in food safety.
Ensures continuous upskilling on food safety laws and internal procedures.
Embeds food safety accountability through cross-functional collaboration.

Fosters a learning culture focused on proactive improvement and risk awareness.

4. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Identifies emerging food safety risks and relevant technological solutions.
Leads initiatives for hygiene infrastructure upgrades and system enhancements.
Advises on strategic investment in innovative safety tools (e.g., digital traceability).
Promotes a forward-thinking approach to improving food safety performance.

5. Stakeholder & Supply Chain Management

Sets and enforces hygiene and food safety standards for suppliers and partners.
Works with procurement and operations to ensure supplier
.Represents food safety interests with regulators, clients, and certification bodies.
Inspects supplier conditions and ensures allergen and risk segregation protocols are met.

6. Record Keeping & Data-Driven Decision Making

Maintains audit-ready documentation including cleaning logs, training records, and inspections.
Uses data to detect trends, inform decisions, and address systemic issues.
Integrates digital systems to enhance food safety transparency and reporting.
Ensures regulatory and certification compliance through accurate record management.

7. Monitoring, Verification & Response

Conducts regular audits and verifies hygiene practices across all operations.
Oversees cleaning schedules, sanitation effectiveness, and swab testing.
Investigates food safety incidents and leads CAPA (corrective/preventive actions).
Coordinates pest control, incident reporting, and regulatory communication as required.

8. Team Leadership & Development

Leads the hygiene and food safety team with clear expectations and consistent feedback.
Plans resource allocation, staffing, and shift management for sanitation operations.
Promotes accountability, teamwork, and ongoing professional development.
Conducts performance reviews, recognises achievements, and ensures budget stewardship.

Qualifications & Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in hygiene & food safety management, quality assurance and/or environmental monitoring programs.
Preferably with export markets experience.
Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO, BRC, and other food safety regulations.
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to conduct audits, inspections, and training sessions effectively.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in documentation, reporting, and record-keeping.

If this, is YOU, we would like to hear from you today!!! Apply by attaching as one document: cover letter, CV, Acadamic qualifications (ZAQA Validated) and NRC.

Apply Here

Yalelo Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, age, disability, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic. We strongly encourage women to apply.

Application Deadline:3/07/2025