At I&J, part of AVI, we combine close to 115 years of excellence with a forward-thinking approach to the fishing industry. As a leader in premium seafood, including Cape Hake and farmed Cape Abalone, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and empowering local communities. Our latest innovation, Air-Fri’kn Amazing, brings bold flavours and crispy perfection to your air fryer, showcasing our passion for quality and customer-centric excellence.

Why Join I&J?

• Industry Leader: Work with a renowned brand known for premium Cape Hake and farmed Abalone.
• Sustainability Focused: Contribute to responsible fishing practices with MSC accreditation.
• Community Impact: Be part of a company that empowers and invests in local communities.

An exciting opportunity exists for a REGULATORY AFFAIRS COORDINATOR at I&J, Head Office to be based in Woodstock, Cape Town. The purpose of this role is to ensure all I&J products produced or co-packed are legally compliant with all current International and Domestic Regulations.  To also proactively form part of the relevant industry groups to limit regulatory risks to I&J as far as possible.                  

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Senior Research and Development Manager

Key Areas of Impact:

Compliancy to International and Domestic Regulations

• Ensure all I&J products that are produced and purchased are compliant with all current International and Local regulations as well as mandatory and voluntary information including claims & endorsements.
• Ensuring all labelling requirements are met irrespective of country of designation.
• Ensuring I&J products are produced according to the relevant standards and regulations.
• Issue necessary guidelines to the Research and Development (R&D) and Marketing Teams alike.

Product development in terms of regulatory requirements and compliancy

• Generating all ingredient declarations for the various products.
• Assists with completing Customer Specifications and ensuring they align with I&J specifications.
• Liaise with relevant accreditation bodies like Halaal, Beth Din, MSC, FOPL, ASC and more.
• Provides PDF copies of final product specifications when requested and if approved by Snr R&D Manager.
• Take ownership of the projects allocated to the Regulatory portfolio for example, actively manage and take accountability.

Management and coordination of Research and Development Quality Manual

• Oversee the management of R&D Quality Manual and ensure R&D is updated & compliant with the latest versions of International Food Safety (IFS) and British Retail Consortium (BRC) certifications
• Manage and co-ordinate internal audits of the R&D department
• Act as representative for R&D on the I&J HACCP Management Team.
• Assist the Quality Assurance (QA) Team with internal audits when necessary.
• Ensuring all retail products are sent for nutritional analysis every 3 years.
• Ensuring GMO Free and any other relevant tests are completed as well as ensuring products are screened when required.
• Analysis: Maintenance of the Lab analysis cost spreadsheet of all products sent away for analysis.
• Vulnerability assessments: Keeping abreast of fraudulent, mislabeling and substitution occurrences for raw materials and ingredients by accessing various websites and subscribing to alerts.
• Conducts an annual Vulnerability Assessment review of all raw materials and ingredients together with Q.A., Procurement and Supplier Quality Assurance Departments.

Staying abreast of new regulatory and scientific issues impacting business

• Keeping abreast of international and local legislation, guidelines, and customer practices.
• Escalating issues that may impact the I&J business to the Senior R&D Manager. Assist management to escalate issues through to the relevant local and global forums.
• Issue Regulatory Guidelines which will have an impact on the I&J business.
• Train the R&D and Marketing Teams on new legislation and inform the Quality Assurance department of new or amended regulations.

Proactively form part of relevant Industry Groups

• Attend CGCSA FSI meetings and actively participate in working groups relating to the I&J business.
• SAMPA (SA meat processing association), attend the Annual General meeting.
• Keep informed of the working groups for relevant SA Legislation - Voluntary Standards and Compulsory Standards.
• Attend new local labelling regulations work groups.

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:

• Minimum 5 years in a similar role within a food processing environment with regulatory experience

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• National Higher Diploma in Food Technology or BSc Food Science qualification

Additional Requirements that will enhance your impact for success:

• Experience of HACCP for Processors
• Completed IFS and BRC Training
• Understanding of ISO 922000 V5.1
• Available to work overtime when need be
• Own reliable transport

Take the Next Step with I&J

Join us to shape the future of South African seafood while making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment and be part of a team committed to excellence and making a positive impact.