Thando Vilakazi

Results-driven Quality & Food Safety professional with experience in ISO 22000, supplier quality, and complaints management. Proven ability to reduce defects, improve compliance, and resolve systemic issues across the value chain. Strong in root cause analysis, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement.

Trade Quality Specialist - AB InBev - Pretoria

(2024-12)

• Drive compliance with ISO 22000-aligned food safety and quality systems, strengthening overall site audit readiness
• Manage customer complaints end-to-end, improving resolution quality through structured root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Lead supplier quality engagement, enhancing supplier accountability and consistency in quality standards
• Train logistics and trade teams on quality standards and SOPs, reinforcing a strong quality culture across teams
• Monitor trade quality performance and escalate deviations, supporting proactive risk mitigation

Quality Assurance Trainee - AB InBev - Pretoria

(2022-07 - 2024-11)

• Supported implementation of ISO 22000 across brewing and packaging, contributing to improved system integration
• Participated in problem-solving and root cause analysis activities, strengthening operational decision-making
• Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives, supporting more efficient and reliable processes

Quality Process Operator - AB InBev - Pretoria

(2021-04 - 2022-06)

• Conducted quality control checks to ensure product compliance and consistency
• Trained new employees on quality and safety procedures, supporting capability building within the team
• Identified and reported process deviations, contributing to improved process stability

Senior Packaging Laboratory Technician - AB InBev - Pretoria

(2020-02 - 2021-03)

• Performed laboratory testing and quality control, ensuring reliability of quality data for decision-making
• Participated in complaints investigations and resolution, supporting improved customer satisfaction
• Trained staff on quality standards and procedures, reinforcing adherence to quality requirements

BSc - Food Science (with Chemistry) - University of Stellenbosch (2014-01 - 2018-03)

Grade 12 - Lethabong secondary school (2013-01 - 2013-12)