Nontuthuzelo Sambo

A detail-oriented food technologist with over 5 years of experience in quality control, staff management, and quality systems management. I am self-driven and have effectively developed, implemented, & maintained a Quality Management System to ensure compliance with industry standards such as ISO, FSSC 22000, GMP, and HACCP. I have worked closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure that quality objectives are met across all operational levels.

My work experience has involved conducting inspections, auditing, staff recruitment & management, staff training, document control and processes review to identify and resolve quality-related issues. I am currently seeking to leverage my skills and experience in a new role.

Quality Control Supervisor at RFG foods (2022-10 – Present)

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Supervise and manage quality controllers (QCs), ensuring task completion, timekeeping, and addressing HR related issues.
• Review & update SOPs and daily records to reflect FSSC 22000 & ISO standards requirements.
• Enforce compliance of updated procedures to meet FSSC 22000 requirements through training, record checking, auditing and random inspection checks.
• Marking training assessment tests and updating training logbooks.
• Ensure compliance with Woolworth code of practice and GMP throughout the plant.
• Promote compliance with occupational health & safety laws by participating in SHE initiatives to support safety and workforce well-being.
• Raise and assist in closing and filing CPARs (internal and external).
• Conduct monthly audits (Foreign Object, Glass & Hard Plastic, and GMP) and updating the audit finding notice board for staff awareness of findings noted.
• Monitor CCP and OPRP issues, ensuring corrective actions are taken.
• Monitor and sign off labelling stickers.
• Assist in closing external audit findings, train QCs on root cause findings & preventive actions.
• Coordinate weekly listeria swabs, rinse water samples, and municipal water testing. Oversee equipment calibration and maintain certification records.
• Supervise deep cleaning activities and surface swab testing post-cleaning.
• Monitor shelf life of raw materials, work in progress, and final products.
• Manage stock with issues, placing them on hold for evaluation.
• Coordinate QC leave and monthly work schedules.
• Address maintenance issues, initiating job cards for repairs.
• Update equipment verification records for new and removed items.
• Prepare the plant for audits and inspections, ensuring readiness.
• Lead monthly QC meetings to address issues, share updates, and prepare for upcoming audits.
• Provide quality-related updates at daily operations meetings in the absence of the QA manager and food technologist.

Food Technologist at RFG foods (2022-10 – 2023-02)

4-months fixed contract. Key responsibilities were as follows:

• Coordinated regular testing of food products for microbial contamination and allergens.
• Investigated and resolved customer complaints. Initiated corrective actions and communicated findings with relevant parties, including suppliers and production teams.
• Investigated and resolved quality issues with components and final products.
• Notified suppliers of non-conforming products and ensured corrective actions were taken.
• Updated procedures and manuals to reflect FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 documentation requirements.
• Conducted internal audits and managed the audit schedule.
• Followed up on audit findings and ensured that corrective actions were completed in a timely manner.
• Maintained records of inspections, audits, training sessions, corrective actions, and compliance reports.
• Maintained supplier assurance documentation and performed supplier audits as required.
• Implemented and supported initiatives to enhance product consistency and reduce variability in production.
• Supported the testing and evaluation of new formulations and processes, contributing to product optimization.
• Oversaw Quality Control System and Food Safety Procedures, ensuring compliance with GMP & HACCP standards.

Quality Management Systems Coordinator at Elevated Hygiene Services (2021-02 – 2022-09)

Responsibilities were as follows

• Designed, implemented and managed the quality management system to ensure compliance with ISO 9001.
• Monitored the ongoing effectiveness of the QMS by coordinating and conducting internal audits.
• Managed the Health & Safety File, attended OHS monthly meetings to ensure that safety concerns were addressed.
• Developed performance improvement initiatives, such as conducting weekly toolbox talks.
• Investigated quality issues, completed non-conformance reports (NCRs) and Corrective and Preventive Action Reports (CPARs).
• Controlled and managed documents, including reviewing, filing, and archiving outdated materials.
• Prepared the QMS for external audits, presented it during audits, and supported clients during their audits.
• Developed and reviewed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), master cleaning schedules, cleaning checklists, and related matrices.
• Drafted memos for new policies and procedures.
• Trained site managers and staff on SOPs, safety protocols, allergen control, and hazard cleanup procedures (such as glass breakage and blood & bodily fluids).
• Conducted cleaning inspections and verified plant cleanliness before production began.
• Ordered cleaning chemicals, PPE, consumables, and cleaning equipment.
• Reinforced proper protocols for handling glass breakage and blood spillage incidents.
• Provided ongoing training on glass breakage, blood spillage, and general safety.
• Maintained strong client and supplier relationships through regular meetings with QA/QC managers to address issues and identify improvements.
• Organized and monitored deep cleaning and high-level cleaning operations.
• Ensured site managers were equipped with the necessary tools and provided guidance as needed.
• Oversaw staff management, including scheduling and handling any disciplinary actions for non-compliance with company policies.
• Ensured that all staff followed company procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.
• Ensured timely submission of invoices for services and materials.

Quality Controller at BRM Brands (2017-06 – 2018-06)

Responsibilities were as follows

• Conducted traceability and ensured compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
• Performed personal hygiene inspections for all staff working in the plant.
• Conducted pre-production cleaning inspections and completed corresponding checklists.
• Verified chemical concentrations after dilution to ensure proper usage.
• Monitored pest control activities to maintain a pest-free environment.
• Conducted stocktakes of consumables and chemicals to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Received and dispatched stock, ensuring compliance with quality and food safety standards.
• Monitored production operations to ensure Critical Control Points (CCPs) are maintained.
• Prepared and participated in sensory evaluations of products.
• Isolated and stored retention samples for future reference.
• Recorded and archived daily production data for audit and complaint purposes.
• Performed glass and foreign body inspections to ensure product safety.
• Calibrated pH meters and scales to ensure accurate measurements.
• Took random product samples and conducted tests to confirm they meet specifications.
• Monitored CCPs and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs), reporting failures to the QC supervisor.
• Opened job cards for damaged equipment or items requiring repair.
• Reported to the QA manager and communicated areas/items needing attention for continuous improvement.

National Diploma in Food Technology – University of Johannesburg (2018)

National Senior Certificate – Acek Academy (2012)