Food Safety Specialist Job Vacancy in Mekelle, Ethiopia – Food & Beverage

Job Description

Position:Food Safety Specialist

Company:Nestlé Ethiopia

Location:Mekelle, Ethiopia

Experience:3-5 years in food safety or quality assurance within the food & beverage industry

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Food & Beverage

Department:Quality Assurance

Salary:120,000 – 180,000 SSP per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Nestlé Ethiopia, a subsidiary of the world‑leading nutrition, health and wellness company Nestlé S.A., has been operating in Ethiopia for over three decades. The company is committed to delivering high‑quality food and beverage products that meet the nutritional needs of Ethiopian consumers while supporting local farmers and suppliers. Nestlé Ethiopia’s operations span from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution across the nation. As part of its global sustainability agenda, Nestlé Ethiopia invests in community development, environmental stewardship, and innovative food safety practices. This commitment creates a dynamic workplace where employees can grow, contribute to meaningful projects, and be part of a brand recognized worldwide. For more information about regional opportunities, visit https://www.zambiajobssearch.com/. The company’s presence in Mekelle supports the growing demand for safe, nutritious products in the Tigray region, offering a unique platform for professionals passionate about food safety and quality.

Job Overview

The Food Safety Specialist will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all Nestlé Ethiopia products manufactured in the Mekelle facility comply with local and international food safety standards, including HACCP, ISO 22000, and relevant Ethiopian regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, the specialist will develop, implement, and monitor food safety programs, conduct risk assessments, and lead internal audits. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence product safety from raw material receipt through final distribution, safeguarding consumer health and reinforcing Nestlé’s reputation for excellence. Explore similar opportunities at https://ethiopiajobssearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the HACCP plan for all product lines produced at the Mekelle plant.
• Conduct regular internal audits and gap analyses to ensure compliance with ISO 22000, local regulations, and Nestlé Global Food Safety standards.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for any food safety incidents, non‑conformities, or customer complaints, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with procurement, production, and R&D teams to assess supplier food safety performance and approve new suppliers.
• Train and mentor production staff on food safety best practices, personal hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
• Monitor critical control points (CCPs) using statistical process control tools and generate detailed reports for senior management.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including batch records, audit reports, and corrective action logs, ensuring traceability.
• Stay updated on emerging food safety regulations in Ethiopia and globally, and advise management on necessary adjustments.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of HACCP, ISO 22000, and Ethiopian food safety legislation.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a data‑driven approach to risk assessment.
• Effective communication skills to convey technical concepts to non‑technical staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and food safety management software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of cross‑functional teams.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of product integrity.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with additional certifications such as Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) or HACCP Practitioner are highly preferred.

Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of three to five years of hands‑on experience in food safety, quality assurance, or related roles within the food & beverage industry. Experience in a multinational manufacturing environment is advantageous.

Salary

The annual salary range for this position is 120,000 – 180,000 SSP, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and benefits are included in the total compensation package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and training.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Nestlé’s global food safety standards and company culture.
• Continuous training modules on HACCP updates, audit techniques, and regulatory changes.
• Leadership development workshops for high‑potential employees.

Working Environment

The Mekelle facility offers a modern, state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing environment equipped with advanced processing lines, laboratory facilities, and a collaborative office space. Nestlé Ethiopia promotes a culture of safety, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, encouraging employees to share ideas and drive innovation.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the Nestlé Ethiopia career portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nestlé Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.