Lead Auditor — Food Certification at QIMA · Cape Town

companyDescription At QIMA, we are on a mission to offer our clients smart solutions to make products you can trust. Operating in over 100 countries, we serve the consumer products, food, and life sciences industries and help more than 30,000 brands, retailers, manufacturers, and growers achieve quality excellence. We combine on-the-ground expertise with digital solutions that bring accuracy, transparency and intelligence for quality and compliance data. What sets us apart is our unique culture. Our 6,000 Qimates live and make decisions every day by our QIMA Values. With client passion, integrity, and a commitment to making things simple, we disrupted the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry. Are you ready to hop on this exciting ride with us and help us achieve our mission? Our Food Division is dedicated to helping every member of the global food supply chain ensure the safety and quality of food products, as well as safe working conditions and sustainable practices. With inspections, audits and certifications, we support food growers, producers and retailers, as well as businesses in food service and hospitality, securing their food products' journey from farm to shelf and fork. jobDescription Somewhere between the sunlit vineyards of the Cape and the bustling port of Mombasa, a new chapter in food certification is being written — and we’re looking for the person who will write it. QuantiLAB is launching a Certification Business Unit across Southern and Eastern Africa, and we need someone who is equal parts expert auditor and natural entrepreneur. You know the standards inside out — BRCGS, HACCP, Global GAP — but you also know how to open doors, build trust, and turn conversations into long-term partnerships. If you’re ready to step out of the routine audit cycle and into a role where you are truly building something from the ground up, this is your moment. The Lead Auditor will be responsible for launching and growing QuantiLAB’s Certification Business Unit in Southern and Eastern Africa, combining technical auditing excellence with entrepreneurial business development. The role will report directly to the QuantiLAB Regional Director working as part of our Certification & Operations team. Key Responsibilities include: Drive the commercial launch and growth of QuantiLAB’s certification activity across Southern and Eastern Africa, identifying target markets, building a client pipeline, and converting prospects into long-term certification partners. Conduct food safety and quality certification audits (HACCP, BRCGS, Global GAP, and related standards) as a qualified Lead Auditor, ensuring rigorous compliance with accreditation requirements. Leverage existing industry relationships and develop new ones with food producers, growers, processors, and retailers, positioning QuantiLAB as the certification body of choice in the region. Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory developments to continuously refine QuantiLAB’s certification offer and support the regional business strategy. qualifications To succeed in this role, you have: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Microbiology, or a related field; an advanced degree or additional certification in food safety management is a plus. Good level of English; a second language would be a plus. Minimum of 5+ years of experience in food safety auditing and certification, with a proven track record of conducting third-party audits under standards such as HACCP, BRCGS, Global GAP, ISO 22000, or equivalent. Strong knowledge of food safety standards and certification processes (BRCGS, Global GAP, HACCP, ISO 22000, and similar), combined with a genuine commercial mindset and the ability to identify and develop business opportunities.. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment with competing priorities. Humble, enthusiastic and rigorous, with a taste for the field. Previous exposure to using AI at work or a strong personal acquaintance with AI products What We Offer Uncapped Sales Commissions — your performance drives your earnings, with no ceiling on your success. A pioneering role with real autonomy to build and shape QuantiLAB’s certification presence in a dynamic, high-growth region. The support of an international group (QIMA) with established tools, systems, and networks across 100+ countries. A culture built on ownership, innovation, and impact — where your entrepreneurial spirit will be celebrated, not constrained. additionalInformation