Background

260 Brands is inviting applications from talented and results-driven professionals to join its Commercial Team.

Job purpose

The Head of Quality is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and continuous improvement of the quality assurance and control systems within the Beverages and Food Divisions. This role ensures that all products are manufactured in strict compliance with applicable legal and statutory requirements, Zambian regulatory frameworks, and internationally recognized quality standards. The incumbent is tasked with safeguarding consumer safety, enhancing product excellence, and ensuring overall customer satisfaction through the implementation of rigorous quality management protocols.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in quality assurance, quality control, or food safety management within the food and beverage industry.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety regulations, quality standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000), and compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and resolve quality-related challenges effectively.
• Proficiency in quality management systems, audit procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Key Competencies:

• Certification in Quality Management Systems (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO Lead Auditor, or equivalent).
• Experience in liaising with regulatory bodies and certification agencies.
• Proven experience in managing quality systems in compliance with ZABS, Zambian Food and Drug Act, HACCP, FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 standards.
• Experience in successfully leading quality teams, implementing continuous improvement programs, and driving compliance with local and international food safety standards.
• Expertise in process optimization and implementation of best practices in food safety and quality control.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing, statistical process control, and risk management in food production.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical skills to assess and resolve quality issues in production and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to handle audits, inspections, and compliance assessments effectively Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead corrective actions effectively.
• Ability to conduct a thorough RCA, DMAIC and knowledge of statistical analysis of historical data is a must
• Hands on knowledge of implementation of Kaizen methodology, managing Quality control circles, Poke Yoke shall be mandatory

Additional Notes

Female Candidates are encouraged to apply

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust quality management system (QMS) for food and beverage production, ensuring compliance with Zambian statutory legislation, Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), and international standards, i.e HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000.
• Regularly review and update the QMS to align with changes in Zambian laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ensure the QMS integrates with the overall business strategy and operational goals.
• Ensure all products and processes comply with Zambia’s Food and Drug Act, Public Health Act, and other applicable statutory requirements enforced by Zambian authorities.
• Stay updated on changes in ZABS standards and regulatory requirements relevant to food and beverage manufacturing (e.g., labelling laws, food safety regulations, packaging standards).
• Lead internal audits to assess compliance with ZABS standards and ensure products are safe, correctly labeled, and meet all regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies such as the Zambian Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and ZABS, ensuring all necessary certifications and licenses are obtained and maintained.
• Ensure that all food and beverage products adhere to the latest ZABS standards for food safety, quality, and packaging.
• Participate in the ZABS certification process, preparing products for certification and ensuring timely compliance with any updates to ZABS standards.
• Facilitate ZABS inspections and audits of manufacturing facilities and products, ensuring corrective actions are taken to address any non-compliance issues.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Regulatory Compliance
• ZABS Standards Compliance
• HACCP
• ISO 22000
• FSSC 22000
• Leadership
• Team Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Stakeholder Management
• Audit Procedures
• Analytical Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Six Sigma
• ISO Lead Auditor
• Process Optimization
• Laboratory Testing
• Statistical Process Control
• Risk Management
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• DMAIC
• Statistical Analysis
• Kaizen Methodology
• Quality Control Circles
• Poke Yoke

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in quality assurance, quality control, or food safety management within the food and beverage industry.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety regulations, quality standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000), and compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and resolve quality-related challenges effectively.
• Proficiency in quality management systems, audit procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Certification in Quality Management Systems (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO Lead Auditor, or equivalent).
• Experience in liaising with regulatory bodies and certification agencies.
• Proven experience in managing quality systems in compliance with ZABS, Zambian Food and Drug Act, HACCP, FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 standards.
• Experience in successfully leading quality teams, implementing continuous improvement programs, and driving compliance with local and international food safety standards.
• Expertise in process optimization and implementation of best practices in food safety and quality control.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing, statistical process control, and risk management in food production.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical skills to assess and resolve quality issues in production and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to handle audits, inspections, and compliance assessments effectively Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead corrective actions effectively.
• Ability to conduct a thorough RCA, DMAIC and knowledge of statistical analysis of historical data is a must
• Hands on knowledge of implementation of Kaizen methodology, managing Quality control circles, Poke Yoke shall be mandatory