Costa Chiangwa

Detail-oriented Quality & Food Safety Professional with strong experience in food manufacturing, production operations, QA systems, inventory control, and HSE compliance. Proven ability to implement and maintain QMS and FSMS, lead audits, manage HACCP and GMP programs, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Recognized for building strong safety and quality cultures while supporting operational excellence.

Quality Controller Supervisor at DC Meat Wholesalers (2024-09 – Present)

• Resolved quality issues with production engineering and supply chain and increased product quality by 10%.
• Achieved high compliance ratings of 84% during HACCP Gap Internal Audit.
• Ensured compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (SANS 10330, SANS 10049:2019, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000).
• Supported QMS implementation and maintenance within the production facility.
• Managed non-conformances, line verifications, GMP/GHP, hygiene, pest control, and audits.
• Collaborated with production, engineering, and warehouse teams to achieve quality objectives.
• Monitored HACCP compliance, food safety index, and pathogen control.
• Supported factory trials, validations, and new product introductions.
• Delivered food safety and in-process quality training and promoted a culture of continuous improvement.

Pickle Injector Operator at Heydenricks Quality Meats (2022-12 – 2024-09)

• Established a quality control checklist that reduced defects by 30%, ensuring consistently high-quality products and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Operated pickle injection machinery to ensure consistent curing and flavour distribution.
• Monitored and adjusted equipment settings to meet product specifications.
• Inspected meat products before and after injection for quality compliance.
• Conducted equipment cleaning and basic maintenance in line with GMP and hygiene standards.

Production Manager at Classic Processed Products (2022-04 – 2022-12)

• Achieved 100% on-time production goal attainment.
• Led Health, Safety & Environment (SH&E) initiatives, ensuring legal and corporate compliance and embedding a "Safer Place Because of Me" safety culture.
• Ensured on-time execution of production plans while maintaining quality, food safety, hygiene, and efficiency standards.
• Supervised, coached, and developed production and warehouse teams, driving performance, accountability, and skills development.

Junior Production Supervisor at Classic Processed Products (2017-10 – 2022-03)

• Lead a team of 80, implementing Kaizen techniques that improved production speed by 20% and reduced waste by 20% within the first year, achieving a 99% safety record.
• Coordinated cross-functionally with Planning, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, Logistics, and People & Culture to align resources, materials, and manpower.
• Ensured compliance with audit standards, internal procedures, and collective labour agreements.
• Maintained accurate inventory records and transactional integrity within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Monitored stock levels, minimum/maximum thresholds, and ensured timely replenishment to prevent shortages or overstocking.

Stock Controller at Classic Processed Products (2015-09 – 2017-09)

• Reduced errors on stock, better availability, and achieving 99% stock accuracy, slashing errors by 35%, optimizing storage, and implementing systems that prevent stock out or overstocking.
• Conducted cycle counts and full stock audits, investigated variances, and implemented corrective actions.
• Optimised inventory accuracy, storage practices, and material flow to support operational efficiency.
• Collaborated with suppliers, transporters, and logistics partners to improve delivery performance and stock availability.
• Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, productivity, and inventory control processes.
• Prepared operational, inventory, and performance reports to support data-driven decision-making.

Quality Assurance Manager at Impala Meats (2011-08 – 2015-08)

• Achieved cost reduction in production and quality operation through data driven.
• Managed inspection programs, audit schedules, document control, non-conformances, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensured full compliance with food safety, quality, and legislative requirements across all operations.
• Reduced quality defects, product losses, and customer complaints through effective root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Partnered with production teams to ensure quality and food safety requirements were embedded into daily operations.

Food Production Worker at Impala Meats (2009-11 – 2011-08)

• Operate production equipment and machinery to produce high-quality Polony, Sandwich Ham, Sausages, Vienna, Burgers, and Mince.
• Follow recipes and formulas to ensure consistent product quality and taste.
• Inspect and monitor production to ensure compliance with safety and hygiene standards.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity.
• Collaborate with team members to meet production goals and deadlines.
• Package and label finished products for distribution and sale.
• Track inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Continuously seek ways to improve the product-making process and product quality.

Bachelor of Consumer Science Degree in Food Business Management – University of South Africa (2022 – 2022)

National Certificate in Purchasing and Supply Management – University of South Africa (2018 – 2018)