Supplier Quality Assurance Manager | KFC

KFC Job Application – Supplier Quality Assurance Manager

As the Supplier Quality Assurance Manager at KFC South Africa, your role is pivotal in ensuring the long-term success of the KFC brand by defining and implementing strategies and policies for high-risk materials. You will collaborate with suppliers to align on international and local quality assurance and food safety requirements, while strategically managing risks across Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Define and implement SQA strategies and policies for high-risk materials to safeguard the KFC brand.
• Ensure continuous supply of high-risk materials by setting long-term directions and mitigating risks.

Execution:

• Coach and train local suppliers on Yum Global QA requirements, enhancing capability within supplier and franchisee teams.
• Manage supplier approval and ongoing performance against Yum audits, driving corrective action plans as needed.
• Address SQA-related customer complaints and oversee product cuttings as per KFC requirements.
• Monitor complaints processes and ensure corrective actions are completed for high-risk suppliers.
• Support recall procedures for non-conforming products and ensure supplier compliance on STARnet.

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with a vast network of stakeholders including external suppliers, QA&FS Senior Manager, and Chief Supply Chain Officer.
• Influence and collaborate across various teams to ensure compliance with SQA&FS standards.

Working Model:

• Hybrid work model with three days in the office and regular field trips within South Africa. Support across Africa may be required based on resource allocation.

Requirements: Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Food Technology or Food Science.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum 6 to 8 years’ experience in QA&FS within the food industry, with operational exposure to quality control.
• Experience in Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) is advantageous.
• Leadership experience with a focus on people development.
• Proficiency in HACCP and Lead Auditor Programs.

Competencies:

• Strong influencing, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and risk assessment abilities.
• Business savvy and capability development expertise.
• Experience in problem-solving and analysis, particularly in QA&FS non-compliances and product recalls.

Innovation:

• High responsibility for modifying processes to drive innovation and efficiency.

Judgment and Decision Making:

• Authority in supplier and facility approvals, with recommendations to QA Senior Manager.

In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining the quality and safety standards of KFC products, ensuring customer satisfaction and brand integrity across Africa.