Head of Quality Assurance & Quality Control (Cosmetics Industry)

Role & responsibi

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance (QA):

Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Management Systems (QMS) aligned with cosmetic industry standards (ISO 22716, GMP, FDA, BIS, EU Cosmetics Regulations, etc.).

Establish and monitor SOPs for production, packaging, warehousing, and distribution processes.

Oversee validation and qualification activities (equipment, process, cleaning, method validation).

Drive regulatory compliance audits and ensure timely closure of CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions).

Manage risk assessments, deviation handling, OOS (Out of Specification) investigations, and ensure continuous improvement.

Ensure compliance with product safety, labeling, and claims regulations in domestic and international markets.

Quality Control (QC):

Supervise incoming raw material, packaging material, in-process, and finished product testing (physical, chemical, microbiological).

Establish and monitor specifications, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria for all products.

Oversee calibration, maintenance, and qualification of laboratory equipment.

Ensure timely release of raw materials and finished products as per quality standards.

Review and approve analytical test results, COAs, and stability studies.

Leadership & Strategic Functions:

Lead, mentor, and develop the QA/QC team; build a culture of accountability and excellence.

Liaise with regulatory bodies, certification agencies, and third-party auditors.

Collaborate with R&D, Production, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to ensure smooth product lifecycle management.

Drive continuous improvement projects (Six Sigma, Lean, Kaizen) in quality operations.

Provide strategic inputs to management for product recalls, market complaints, and regulatory updates.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of cosmetic GMP (ISO 22716), FDA guidelines, BIS standards, and international regulations (EU, ASEAN, GCC, etc.).

Expertise in formulation, stability testing, microbiology, and packaging validation.

Proficiency in quality tools and systems QMS, CAPA, RCA, FMEA, Risk Management.

Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams.

Excellent communication, documentation, and audit management skills.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: M.Pharm / B.Pharm / M.Sc. (Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Cosmetic Science, or related field).

Experience: Minimum 5+ years of experience in Quality (QA/QC) within the cosmetics, personal care, FMCG, or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 5+ years in a leadership role.

Experience in handling regulatory inspections and certifications.

Preferred candidate profile