Food Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist Job Vacancy in Solwezi, Zambia – Food & Beverage / Consumer Goods

Job Description

Position: Food Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist

Company: Nestlé Zambia

Location: Solwezi, Zambia

Experience: 3-5 years in food safety and quality assurance

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Food & Beverage / Consumer Goods

Department: Quality Assurance

Salary: SSP 30,000 – 45,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Nestlé Zambia is a leading multinational food and beverage company with a strong presence across the African continent. Operating for over six decades, Nestlé delivers trusted brands that enrich the lives of consumers through nutrition, health, and wellness. The Solwezi site serves as a strategic hub for the distribution of a wide range of products, including dairy, cereals, coffee, and confectionery, supporting both urban and rural markets. As part of Nestlé’s global commitment to sustainable growth, the company invests heavily in community development, environmental stewardship, and innovative food safety practices, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking meaningful career opportunities in Zambia.

Job Overview

The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Specialist will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all Nestlé Zambia products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, the specialist will collaborate with production, R&D, and supply chain teams to implement robust food safety systems, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position offers a unique chance to contribute to Nestlé’s legacy of excellence while advancing your career in a dynamic, multicultural environment. For more information about Nestlé’s commitment to quality, visit https://zambiajobssearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP plans and GMP standards across all manufacturing lines.
• Conduct internal and external food safety audits, ensuring compliance with Zambian regulations and international standards such as ISO 22000.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for non‑conformities, corrective actions, and preventive measures.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate new product formulations for safety and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor supplier quality and perform supplier audits to guarantee raw material safety.
• Prepare and present detailed food safety reports to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Train production staff on food safety protocols, hygiene practices, and documentation procedures.
• Support the implementation of Nestlé’s global food safety digital platform for real‑time monitoring.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, and local food safety legislation.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a data‑driven mindset.
• Effective communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and food safety management software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology, or a closely related discipline is required. Professional certifications such as Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) or equivalent are highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants must have 3‑5 years of hands‑on experience in food safety and quality assurance within the fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Experience with multinational food companies and exposure to both local and international regulatory frameworks will be considered an advantage.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary range of SSP 30,000 to 45,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and annual salary reviews are part of Nestlé’s compensation structure.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid leave, including annual, sick, and parental leave.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Opportunities for international assignments and career progression within Nestlé’s global network.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Nestlé’s quality systems and corporate culture.
• Continuous professional development courses in food safety, quality management, and leadership.
• Access to Nestlé’s e‑learning platform for certifications and skill enhancement.

Working Environment

Nestlé Zambia provides a collaborative, inclusive, and safety‑first workplace. The Solwezi facility is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, modern production lines, and dedicated quality labs. Employees benefit from a supportive team culture that encourages innovation, knowledge sharing, and work‑life balance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the online portal on the Nestlé Careers page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nestlé Zambia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.