QA/QC Officer

Reports To: Production Manager / Managing Director

Our client, a growing Zambian cosmetics enterprise dedicated to manufacturing high-quality, safe, and innovative skincare and personal care products, is seeking a diligent and versatile QA/QC Officer to join their team and oversee our product quality and regulatory compliance systems.

Job Purpose

The QA/QC Officer will be responsible for ensuring that all raw materials, in-process batches, and finished cosmetic products meet internal quality standards, national specifications, and statutory regulations before they reach the customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Testing: Perform daily physical and chemical testing on raw materials, in-process product batches, and finished goods (including testing pH, viscosity, density, and stability).

• Compliance Management: Maintain regulatory compliance with ZAMRA and ZABS regulations. Prepare and update product dossiers for regulatory inspections and licensing.

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Implement, monitor, and enforce Cosmetics GMP guidelines on the production floor to prevent product contamination and cross-contamination.

• Documentation & Records: Create and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintain accurate batch records, laboratory logs, and Certificates of Analysis (CoA).

• Supplier & Raw Material Control: Inspect incoming raw materials and packaging materials against supplier specifications.

• Corrective Actions: Identify quality issues, isolate non-conforming batches, investigate root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, a diploma in Pharmacy or a related physical/life sciences discipline.

• Schooling: Full Grade 12 Certificate with credits or better in English, Mathematics, and Science subjects.

• Experience: Minimum of 1 to 2 years of hands-on QA/QC or laboratory testing experience within a manufacturing environment (experience in cosmetics, soaps, pharmaceuticals, or FMCG is highly preferred).

• Credentials: Qualifications must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Key Competencies and Skills

• Sound understanding of ZAMRA cosmetics guidelines, ZABS testing standards, and ZCSA compulsory standards if required.

• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or ISO 22716.

• Practical laboratory skills (accurate weighing, titration, pH measurement, and basic microbial testing awareness).

• Excellent attention to detail, analytical mindset, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) for report writing and data tracking.