Quality Assurance Lead

We are seeking an experienced and meticulous QA Lead to oversee all quality assurance and control activities within our food extrusion processing unit. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all products manufactured meet stringent food safety, quality, regulatory, and organizational standards. You will lead a team of QA technicians, manage compliance systems (like FSSAI, GMP, GHP, HACCP), and be the key custodian of quality on the production floor.

Role & responsibilities.

1. Quality Systems & Compliance:

• Manage all documentation, including SOPs, HACCP plans, PRPs, quality manuals, and batch records.

• Lead internal audits, third-party audits (e.g., from customers, FSSAI, certification bodies), and supplier audits.

2. Extrusion Process Quality Control:

• Develop and enforce stringent quality control parameters for the entire extrusion process: from raw material (flours, starches, flavours) to finished goods.

• Monitor critical control points (CCPs) in the extrusion line: cooking temperature, moisture content, screw speed, die pressure, cutting mechanism, etc.

• Oversee the quality of post-extrusion processes: drying, coating, seasoning, and packaging.

• Conduct regular line inspections and hygiene audits (GMP & GHP).

3. Team Leadership & Management:

• Lead, train, and mentor a team of QC Technicians.

• Schedule and assign tasks for the QC team across shifts to ensure 24/7 quality coverage.

• Foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement among production and QC staff.

4. Testing & Analysis:

• Oversee in-process and finished product testing for physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters (e.g., moisture analysis, aw, bulk density, size, shape, colour, texture, shelf-life testing, pathogen testing).

• Ensure the calibration and maintenance of all lab equipment (e.g., moisture analyzer, Refractometer, weighing scales, pH meter).

• Analyze quality data trends (e.g., using SPC tools) to identify root causes of deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

5. Non-Conformance & Customer Complaint Management:

• Investigate and resolve quality deviations, non-conforming products, and customer complaints effectively and promptly.

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for any quality or food safety incidents.

• Implement and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.

6. Supplier & Raw Material Quality:

• Approve incoming raw materials and packaging materials against established specifications.

• Work with the procurement team to evaluate and approve suppliers.

7. House keeping & Pest Control Management:

• Work Closely with Third Party vendors for Pest Control Management, Identify Pest Infestation Trends, and oversee pest control implementation.

• Develop Cleaning SOPs and Checklist for Plant & Machinery Upkeep. Regular Audits to Check effectiveness of House Keeping activities.

8. Training to Workforce:

• Have to conduct Training Workshops for the Shift Workers on various aspects of Quality, Hygiene and GMP.

• Have to implement Rewards & Recognition program among teams to encourage Quality Culture across the organization.

Required Skills & Competencies

1. Technical Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of extrusion processing and its critical quality parameters.

• Strong understanding of FSMS, HACCP, GMP, GHP, and GLP.

• Proficiency in FSSAI regulations and other Indian food safety standards.

• Experience with laboratory techniques and equipment relevant to food testing.

2. Soft Skills:

• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.

3. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities:

• Meticulous attention to detail and a result-oriented approach.

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Proficiency in English, Hindi and the local language.