Dis-Chem Pharmacies in Midrand has an opportunity available for a Technical Compliance Officer (Foods Own Brand). The main purpose of the role is to support day-to-day management of all own brand food products from a scientific and regulatory perspective. Includes the activities associated with quality assurance, new product development, complaint investigation and resolution, product packaging write up’s and reviews as well as specification management. Role may require site visits to manufacturers

Scope:

• House brand foodstuffs as per definition in the Foodstuffs, cosmetics and disinfectants act. (Includes drinks, baby food, and confectionery).
• House brand sport and nutrition powdered supplements.

 
Minimum Requirement:

Essential:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• Diploma or Degree in food science, nutrition, dietetics, or consumer science
• 1 – 2 years relevant working experience in a food manufacturing or retail environment in a technical role

 Advantage:

• Any food or pharmaceutical related training such as HACCP, GMP and Nutrition
• Previous working experience with food in a regulatory role

Job Specification:

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure products are safe, of good quality and not misleading by:
• Maintaining an up-to-date GMP certification database for own brand suppliers
• Conducting audits of manufacturing sites where required
• Meeting with vendors regularly and provide vendor training if required
• Maintaining up to date specifications and agreements for own brand products
• Conducting audits (paper based and in-store) of current ranges and formulations
• Managing a testing and sampling plan of own brand products identified for testing
• Liaise with laboratories to get quotes as required.
• Compile accurate specific product lists when requested. E.g., Banting list, kosher list.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with specifications, relevant legislation, and compulsory specifications e.g., food labelling legislation, labelling regulations, sodium regulations, and infant food regulations.
• Review marketing material if required
• Conduct warehouse product inspections if required.
• Co-ordinate sample retrieval and evaluation if required.

• Effectively coordinate activities associated with the project.
• Liaise with NPD Officer, Category Manager, supplier and any other stakeholders regarding product development matters.
• Conduct relevant research and accurately apply applicable content.
• Develop concept briefs, coordinate and evaluate samples, consolidate proposed costs and order quantities for approval, assist with sourcing of packaging and design, drive label sign-off, aid with product listing.
• Provide technical input during the product development process.
• Develop product training material for stores on existing or new products if required
• Maintain NPD Project Plan/s

• Adhere to Informed Sport/ Choice standards by:
• Handling associated administration- invoices and quotes.
• Evaluating results from labs and do trend analysis.
• Communicating results to suppliers and ensure that the necessary action is taken.
• Capturing results and create summary reports.
• Managing vendor audits and ensure that certificates are received for all vendors.
• Alerting relevant internal parties of adverse findings and act accordingly.
• Assist with product recalls/ withdrawals as per Dis-Chem standard operating procedures.
• Liaise with the NPD Officer, National Technical Compliance Manager, Category Manager, Supplier and Warehouse regarding product recalls/ withdrawals.
• Evaluate product risk and advice on necessary action when needed.
• Instruct the stores on what appropriate actions to take for each individual situation when needed.
• Ensure corrective action is taken if necessary.
• Update and review department SOPs as requested.

• Address customer complaints as soon as they come in and resolve accordingly.
• Liaise with customers if deemed necessary.
• Investigate customer complaints and give relevant feedback, if matters are unresolved refer it to management.
• Arrange lab tests if necessary, as per instruction from senior team members
• Inform suppliers on what documents are required and ensure that they follow correct procedures to investigate
• Provide customer with a status update regarding their complaint.
• Ensure that suppliers take necessary corrective and preventative action and follow up where necessary.
• Log and trend all associated complaints

• Maintain the relevant filing and administrative functions associated with the role. Includes NPD Project Plan, NPD documents, GMP vendor databases, complaint records, specification sheets and database, technical agreements and any other associated admin.
• Draw sales and stock on hand reports if required
• Assist with Technical Compliance Department duties in the absence of another team member
• Assist the with any larger projects assigned to the department
• Perform ad hoc projects if assigned
• Perform internal audits for the Dis-Chem Head Office Canteen when requested.
• Provide Dis-Chem employees with basic food hygiene training when requested.
• Provide on-going assistance and advice to Dis-Chem employee’s canteen matters when required.
• Provide training and mentorship to new employees or interns if requested
• Attend trainings and workshops

Competencies:

Essential:

• Understanding of fundamentals of food and nutrition, microbiology and chemistry
• Interpret and understand quotations, invoices and statements
• Good communication skills
• Problem solving abilities
• Deadline driven
• Work under pressure

Advantage: 

• Basic leadership skills
• Conflict Management skills

Special conditions of employment:

• South African citizen
• MIE, clear criminal and credit
• Driver’s license and/or own reliable transport

Remuneration and benefits:

• Market related salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Staff account

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. IF YOU HAVEN`T BEEN CONTACTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION AS UNSUCCESSFUL.

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-Chem’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to Dis-Chem’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. Dis-Chem actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.