About Company
Bralima, a proud subsidiary of The Heineken Company, has been a cornerstone of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s beverage industry for over 100 years. Established in 1923, we are dedicated to brewing and distributing high-quality beers, soft drinks, and mineral water that are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Congo. Our iconic brands are enjoyed by millions, and our operations contribute significantly to the national economy through job creation, local sourcing, and community development initiatives. At Bralima, we are committed to sustainable practices, fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace, and continuously investing in our people and infrastructure to meet stringent global standards. We believe in nurturing talent, providing opportunities for growth, and building a brighter future for the communities we serve. Joining Bralima means becoming part of a legacy of excellence and a team that values innovation, quality, and passion.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Factory Supervisor – Quality Control to join our dynamic team at our Lubao facility in Kasai Province. This pivotal role is essential in upholding Bralima’s unwavering commitment to product excellence and consumer safety. As a Factory Supervisor for Quality Control, you will be at the forefront of ensuring that all production processes and finished goods meet the stringent national and international quality standards that Bralima and Heineken are renowned for. You will lead a dedicated team, implement robust quality assurance protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across our manufacturing operations. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for a detail-oriented leader with a strong background in food and beverage manufacturing and quality management systems. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess exceptional analytical skills, and demonstrate a passion for maintaining impeccable product integrity from raw materials to the final consumer product. Your expertise will directly contribute to strengthening our brand reputation and ensuring the consistent delivery of beloved beverages to our customers throughout the region. You will be instrumental in safeguarding product quality, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal company policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Quality Control department within the factory, ensuring strict adherence to schedules and quality targets.
- Implement and enforce Bralima's comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS), including HACCP, ISO 9001 standards, and local regulatory requirements.
- Supervise, train, and mentor a team of Quality Control technicians, fostering a culture of quality, safety, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Conduct regular inspections and analyses of incoming raw materials, in-process production stages, and finished products to ensure full compliance with established specifications.
- Identify and troubleshoot quality deviations or non-conformances, leading root cause analysis investigations and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of all quality data, prepare comprehensive reports, and analyze trends to identify areas for process optimization and improvement.
- Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and logistics teams to integrate quality control measures seamlessly throughout the entire manufacturing process.
- Ensure all laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and operated according to established standards and safety protocols.
- Participate actively in internal and external quality audits, ensuring compliance and readiness for inspections.
- Drive initiatives for process optimization, waste reduction, and cost efficiency through robust quality control practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (4+ years) in a Quality Control or Quality Assurance role, preferably within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS), including HACCP, ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 22000), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a demonstrated track record of motivating, coaching, and developing staff.
- Proficient in data analysis, report generation, and utilizing various quality control tools and methodologies (e.g., SPC, FMEA).
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed, critical decisions under pressure in a dynamic production environment.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and French. Knowledge of local languages like Lingala or Swahili is a significant advantage.
- High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a factory environment, including prolonged standing and occasional lifting of materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Certification in HACCP principles, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, or other relevant quality assurance/food safety certifications.
- Experience with SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly with quality management modules.
- Demonstrated experience in applying continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing) to quality processes.
- Previous experience operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo or similar emerging markets, understanding local operational contexts.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
- Extensive opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within Bralima and The Heineken Company.
- A dynamic, supportive, and collaborative work environment focused on excellence and innovation.
- Contribution to the success of a leading global beverage company with iconic brands.
- Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
- Paid time off and public holidays.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and career aspirations. Please click on the application link below to apply directly through our official careers portal. Ensure your application clearly highlights your experience in quality control within a manufacturing setting and how you meet the requirements of this role. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.