Job
Description
Quality Manager - Food Manufacturing (FMCG). Location: Bangalore. Reporting to: Business Head. The Quality Manager will oversee all aspects of product quality and safety for our Atta (flour) products, high-protein snacks, cookies, ready-to-eat foods and bread. This role requires close collaboration with procurement (raw ingredients and packaging materials), production (in-line and final product checks), and contract manufacturing units to implement robust quality assurance processes and ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations. This position reports to the Business Head and is critical in shaping our quality culture and processes across the organization. Key Responsibilities Product Quality Assurance: Oversee raw material (ingredients and packaging) inspection and testing, monitor in-process quality control on the production line, and validate final product specifications. Ensure each batch meets our safety and quality requirements before release. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with FSSAI regulations (Food Safety Standards) and other statutory requirements. Maintain and manage certifications and quality systems such as ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) to meet both national and international food safety standards. Cross-functional Coordination: Collaborate with Procurement to define raw and packaging material quality standards and inspect incoming batches. Work closely with Production teams to implement rigorous in-line and end-of-line quality checks. Liaise with R&D and product development on new product trials to incorporate quality and safety considerations from the outset. Contract Manufacturing Oversight: Lead and coordinate quality audits and assessments at contract manufacturing units. Ensure third-party partners produce, package, label, and test products in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and our company's quality standards. Enforce quality agreements and follow up on any deviations. Quality Audits and Documentation: Plan and conduct internal quality audits, inspections, and compliance reviews. Manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for any non-conformances. Maintain detailed documentation of quality records, including non-conformance reports (NCRs), audit findings, and compliance reports, to ensure traceability and readiness for external audits. Continuous Improvement: Perform root-cause analysis of quality issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Lead continuous improvement initiatives (e.g Kaizen events, Six Sigma projects) to reduce defects, minimize waste, improve yields, and enhance overall product quality and efficiency. Track quality metrics and use data-driven approaches to drive improvements. Team Leadership: Lead, train, and mentor a team of quality assurance and control professionals. Assign responsibilities (e.g QC tests, sampling, documentation) and monitor performance. Foster a culture of quality and accountability by ensuring all staff adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), GMP, hygiene protocols, and company policies. Provide regular coaching and development to build team expertise in quality management. Qualifications And Certifications Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Technology, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred). Professional certifications in food safety and quality (e.g FSSAI Food Safety Supervisor/Manager, ISO 22000 Lead Auditor/Practitioner, HACCP certification). Strong knowledge of food safety management systems and practical experience implementing ISO 22000 FSMS and HACCP principles in a manufacturing environment. In-depth understanding of relevant regulations and standards (FSSAI Food Safety & Standards Act, GMP, hygiene norms, etc.) and the ability to interpret and apply them to production processes. Experience with quality tools and methodologies (e.g FMEA, control charts, Pareto analysis) for problem-solving and process control is a plus. Proficiency with audit processes (internal/external) and documentation practices. Experience Requirements Minimum 5 years of experience in quality assurance/quality control within the FMCG food industry. Proven track record managing quality processes for baked goods and snack products - especially flours (Atta), high-protein snacks, cookies, Ready to eat and bread. Experience coordinating quality with contract manufacturing partners and ensuring compliance across multiple production sites. History of working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with hands-on involvement in troubleshooting and process improvement. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Quality Improvement: Reduction in non-conformance report rates and customer quality complaints over time. Audit Performance: Improved scores in internal and external audits (e.g FSSAI inspections, ISO audits, customer audits) with a decrease in major findings. Issue Resolution: Percentage of quality issues and non-conformances resolved within target timelines (e.g closure of CAPAs on schedule). Regulatory Compliance: Zero major non-compliances during regulatory audits and inspections, and timely renewal of all licenses/certifications. Efficiency Gains: Successful implementation of quality improvement projects leading to measurable cost savings, higher yield, or reduced waste. This is a critical role for ensuring our products meet the highest quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate will bring both strong technical expertise and leadership to drive quality improvements across our food production operations. 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