About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1892, it has grown into a “total beverage company” with a portfolio of more than 200 brands. In South Africa, the Coca-Cola system operates through two primary entities: Coca-Cola South Africa (Pty) Ltd, which manages brand marketing and concentrate production, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), the primary bottling and distribution arm.

Job Description

• Product quality and food safety testing
• Statistical process control and trend analysis
• Non-conformance management and RCA
• Quality system adherence (FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, KORE)
• Laboratory equipment operation and calibration
• Support of audits and quality inspections
• HACCP and GMP compliance monitoring
• Documentation and data integrity
• Quality awareness and coaching at line level

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Laboratory and In-Line Quality Control

• Conduct analytical, chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Perform quality checks on production lines (Brix, CO2, torque, fill height, appearance, etc.).
• Ensure adherence to the Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) and product specifications.

Process Monitoring and Product Release

• Monitor key process parameters and perform real-time interventions where deviations are observed.
• Verify that corrective actions are implemented and effective before product release.
• Approve or reject product batches based on quality results.

Data Management and Reporting

• Record test results accurately and timeously in laboratory systems and quality logs.
• Compile and analyse quality trend reports and escalate anomalies.
• Maintain sample retention and traceability documentation.

Quality Incident Management

• Assist in investigating product and process non-conformances, consumer complaints, or foreign matter incidents.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
• Escalate unresolved issues to the Quality Manager.

Calibration and Equipment Maintenance

• Ensure laboratory instruments are maintained, calibrated, and used in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform routine checks and liaise with equipment service providers when necessary.

Systems and Standards Compliance

• Participate in internal and external audits (e.g., FSSC, KORE, customer audits).
• Monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), hygiene, and housekeeping compliance.
• Support quality system implementation and maintenance (SOPs, work instructions, records).

KBI

• First Time Right (FTR) performance (%)
• Product Quality Index / Conformance Rate (%)
• Number of quality non-conformances (internal and external)
• Consumer and customer complaints (per million units)
• Laboratory turnaround time and sample throughput
• Quality audit findings and closure rates
• Equipment calibration compliance (%)
• Product release accuracy and rejection rate

Skills, Experience & Education

Education

• Minimum: National Diploma in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Analytical Chemistry, or Microbiology
• Preferred: BTech or BSc in Food Science, Chemistry, or related discipline
• HACCP and ISO/FSSC certifications are advantageous

Experience

• 1–3 years’ experience in a quality assurance or laboratory environment in the FMCG or beverage industry
• Experience in in-process and final product testing
• Exposure to quality management systems (ISO 9001, FSSC 22000)
• Experience working in a certified food safety and manufacturing environment

Skills

• Proficiency in laboratory testing (chemical, physical, and microbiological techniques)
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety principles
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and quality standards
• Working knowledge of KORE and regulatory requirements (NRCS, SABS)
• Accurate data recording, reporting, and statistical trend analysis
• Familiarity with ERP or QMS platforms (SAP, LIMS, Intelex – advantageous)
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Attention to detail, teamwork, and critical thinking skills