About the Company:
- CKs Bakery (a Chennai-based bakery retail chain) is one of the businesses under the 1,800-crore CavinKare Group, a FMCG giant of India (Popular Cavinkare Brands include Chik, Nyle, Meera, Cavin's, Indica, Ruchi, Bhima, Maa, Biker's, Spinz, Garden, Raaga, Bacto V, and many others. Also, Sanchu Animal Hospital, Limelite Premium Salon, Elixify Aesthetic Clinic & Green Trends).
- CKs Bakery was established in 2015. Since then, it has expanded its presence across Chennai, Trichy, Cuddalore, Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Coimbatore, Palladam and Bangalore. Known for delivering high-quality products at affordable prices, the brands signature offerings include its popular pastries and paninis.
Role Purpose
The Quality Lead is responsible for establishing, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving the Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) across CK’s Foods Division. This role ensures that all products meet regulatory, safety, and organizational standards from raw material procurement to final product dispatch, while maintaining compliance across all outlets, manufacturing units, and the supply chain. The role also drives the food safety culture, operational excellence, and adherence to statutory compliances in alignment with the standards of a large-scale Retail & QSR organization.
Key Responsibilities
A.
- Implement, monitor, and continuously improve the organization’s FSMS and QMS standards at plant and outlet levels.
- Ensure new machinery commissioning and qualification comply with food safety and quality benchmarks.
- Conduct infrastructure assessments regarding food safety requirements and implement corrective actions.
- Review and update HACCP systems and prerequisite programs (GMP, GHP, SSOP, OPRPs, CCPs).
- Implement and monitor Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems across the facility.
- Ensure plant hygiene, housekeeping, and sanitation standards meet internal and external compliance requirements.
B.
- Develop and maintain process SOPs, cleaning SOPs, and sanitation guidelines aligned with industry standards.
- Ensure strict adherence to FSSAI, ISO, GMP, and corporate food safety policies across all operations.
- Conduct periodic audits (internal, food safety, hygiene, pest control, GMP audits) and ensure timely corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Conduct quality control system audits and submit detailed reports with recommended action plans.
C.
- Inspect and verify incoming raw materials and packaging materials against quality specifications and approved supplier standards.
- Conduct periodic vendor evaluations and audits to ensure ongoing supplier compliance.
- Maintain documentation and traceability for vendor-related quality issues and CAPA.
- Perform cost negotiations with external laboratories and testing partners as needed.
D.
- Oversee in-house laboratory operations and ensure the integrity of analytical results.
- Coordinate all third-party laboratory tests for food, water, environmental swabs, etc.
- Maintain an effective testing system to prevent contamination and ensure product quality at every stage.
- Drive sensory evaluation panels and ensure proper documentation in the online portal.
- Support R&D and NPD teams for process stabilization, product trials, and QMS readiness.
E.
- Collaborate with Production, R&D, Procurement, and Technical teams to standardize processes and solve quality problems.
- Conduct periodic reviews with cross-functional teams, reporting operational and quality issues with actionable insights.
- Identify and resolve quality issues arising in the market by coordinating with production and technical teams.
- Support new project initiatives in coordination with the technical department.
F.
- Develop competencies of shop-floor employees through structured training on GMP, GHP, SSOP, hygiene, and food safety practices.
- Build and strengthen food safety culture at the unit through continuous training and awareness programs.
- Evaluate QA/QC team performance, ensuring development plans, training needs, and career progression are addressed.
G.
- Lead the investigation of customer complaints, perform root cause analysis, and implement CAPA.
- Track complaint trends and provide insights for continuous improvement.
H.
- Maintain and update MIS for production quality evaluation and ensure data transparency.
- Submit annual returns in FoSCoS and upload food and water testing reports every 6 months.
- Prepare and present reports to senior management on the effectiveness and suitability of the food safety and quality systems.
- Ensure 100% regulatory compliance with FSSAI and other statutory bodies, including documentation readiness for inspections and audits.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related field.
- 5–8 years of experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control within a Retail, Food Manufacturing, or FMCG environment.
- Strong knowledge of FSSAI guidelines, ISO 22000/FSMS, HACCP, GMP, GHP, and pest control standards.
- Hands-on experience in audits, lab testing, vendor quality, sanitation management, and process control.
Skills & Competencies
- Deep understanding of QSR food safety standards
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Competency in handling quality documentation and MIS
- Team leadership and training ability
- Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills
- Attention to detail and a proactive approach to food safety risks
- Ability to manage multiple units, outlets, and operational demands
Behavioral Competencies
- Integrity and commitment to food safety
- Ownership and accountability
- Decision-making under pressure
- Collaboration and stakeholder management
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Customer-centric approach
Working Conditions
- Work involves plant-based activities, periodic outlet visits, and vendor site inspections.
- Requires availability during audits, product launches, and quality escalations.
