Quality Assurance Specialist Job Vacancy in Debre Markos, Ethiopia – Food & Beverage

Job Description

Position:Quality Assurance Specialist

Company:Nestlé Ethiopia

Location:Debre Markos, Ethiopia

Experience:5+ years

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Food & Beverage

Department:Quality Assurance

Salary:SSP 180,000 – 250,000 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 two decades. With a strong commitment to improving the quality of life through food, Nestlé Ethiopia manufactures and distributes a wide range of products, including dairy, coffee, cereals, and infant nutrition. The company invests heavily in local sourcing, sustainability, and community development, aligning with Ethiopia’s growth agenda. As part of its expansion strategy, Nestlé Ethiopia is establishing a state‑of‑the‑art quality hub in Debre Markos, creating new career opportunities for professionals passionate about food safety and product excellence. This role contributes directly to Nestlé’s mission of delivering “Good Food, Good Life” to Ethiopian consumers while supporting the broader goal of creating jobs and fostering economic development across the region. The position offers a dynamic environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance intersect, making it an ideal platform for ambitious quality professionals seeking to make a tangible impact.

Job Overview

The Quality Assurance Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all Nestlé Ethiopia products manufactured in the Debre Markos facility meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. This role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring quality systems, conducting audits, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to drive continuous improvement. The specialist will also serve as a key liaison with local and international regulatory bodies, ensuring that Nestlé Ethiopia remains at the forefront of food safety standards. For more information about Nestlé’s commitment to quality and career growth, visit Ethiopia Jobs. This position is a critical component of Nestlé’s broader strategy to strengthen its supply chain and enhance consumer trust across Ethiopia.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 22000, HACCP, and local Ethiopian food safety regulations.
• Conduct internal and external audits, identify non‑conformities, and lead corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve issues promptly.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to ensure raw material specifications, in‑process controls, and finished product testing meet stringent quality criteria.
• Analyze quality data, generate reports, and present findings to senior management to drive data‑driven decision making.
• Lead investigations of product complaints, root‑cause analysis, and implement effective solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain documentation, including batch records, deviation reports, and validation protocols, ensuring traceability and audit readiness.
• Stay updated on Ethiopian food legislation, international standards, and emerging industry best practices, integrating relevant changes into Nestlé’s quality processes.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior quality staff and production personnel on quality standards and best practices.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of food safety standards (ISO 22000, HACCP, GFSI) and Ethiopian regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a data‑centric mindset.
• Proficiency in quality management software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Effective communication skills in English and Amharic, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and influence stakeholders.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or professional certifications such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or HACCP Practitioner are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in quality assurance within the food and beverage industry, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Experience with international quality standards and regulatory compliance in Ethiopia is a strong advantage.

Salary

The annual salary range for this position is SSP 180,000 – 250,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives may be offered.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Opportunities for international assignments and career progression within Nestlé’s global network.

Training

• On‑the‑job training on Nestlé’s QMS and food safety protocols.
• Access to Nestlé’s global learning platforms and certification courses.
• Regular workshops on regulatory updates, audit techniques, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Working Environment

The role is based in a modern, ISO‑certified manufacturing facility in Debre Markos, featuring advanced laboratory equipment, controlled production lines, and a collaborative office setting. Nestlé Ethiopia promotes a culture of safety, inclusivity, and innovation, encouraging employees to share ideas and drive excellence.

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 interviews and assessments.

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, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.