Quality Assurance Manager

At POPULAR, our endeavor is to serve consumers with nothing but the very best in Food. Backed by the HALT Group and with a rich legacy spanning over 100+ years, we strive to stay true to the brand's ethos and more importantly to live up to the trust with which you have made us a part of your lives for all these years. Our range of products is sold under the Brand names of Popular Essentials, Organics, Gourmet, Fit-Eats, Nutri-Mills, Minis, Insta and Aromas. We have received much customer love across the length and breadth of India. We are available across multiple channels including our Native website, Amazon, Flipkart, Jio, Swiggy, Zepto, Jumbotail, Dunzo, Milk Basket & Udaan.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Product Knowledge:

• Knowledge of dry fruits, nuts, seeds & dates. (Mandatory)

• Knowledge of snacking products or value-added products including coated nuts, popped chips, roasted pulses etc. (Preferred)

• Knowledge of Nutritional composition and physicochemical properties

DUTIES

Quality Control Duties:

• Develop and implement quality control procedures and protocols for all stages of food production and packaging.

• Conduct routine inspections and audits to ensure adherence to quality standards.

• Monitor and analyze product samples to identify defects, contamination, or non-compliance issues.

• Collaborate with production and packaging teams to address and resolve quality-related problems.

• Manage and maintain quality control records and documentation.

Quality Assurance Duties:

• Develop and manage a comprehensive quality assurance program to ensure product safety and compliance.

• Implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and other food safety systems.

• Establish and maintain product specifications and standards.

• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with relevant food safety regulations.

Lab Management Duties:

• Oversee and manage the Quality Control and Quality Assurance laboratory.

• Ensure that the lab is well-equipped, properly maintained, and staffed with trained personnel.

• Manage testing procedures, including microbiological, chemical, and physical tests.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory records.

• Knowledge of how to use lab equipment to test for moisture, fat content, rancidity, salt content of products, protein content etc.

Regulatory Compliance Duties:

• Stay up-to-date with local and international food safety and quality regulations. (Knowledge of ISO 22000 is mandatory. Knowledge of BRC, FSSC 22000 is preferred.)

• Knowledge of Organic Product Regulation as per NOP & NPOP norms is required.

• Ensure compliance with FSSAI and other relevant regulatory bodies.

• Extensive knowledge of packaging guidelines.

• Preferred to have knowledge on packaging guidelines for international markets.

Team Management Duties:

• Lead and mentor a team of 2+ quality control and quality assurance professionals.

• Provide training and guidance to ensure a culture of quality within the organization. Training to be regularly imparted to production floor staff as well. Reporting Duties:

• Prepare and present regular quality reports to senior management.

• Reports to include compliance, internal audits, incident reporting and record keeping.

• Communicate quality issues, trends, and improvements effectively.

• Conducting internal and external audits.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIRED:

• B.Sc/ M. Sc/ B. Tech/ BHM in food technology or food science or microbiology or biotechnology or equivalent experience in the food manufacturing industry.

EXPERIENCE: •

• 4+ years of experience in food quality control, quality assurance, or a related role.

• Familiarity with food processing and packaging regulations and standards, including Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations

SKILLS REQUIRED

Communication Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various departments and external stakeholders.

• Knowledge of English is mandatory.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Ability to assess the problem and find the root cause.

• The ability to identify and address quality issues and find effective solutions.

Attention to Detail:

• Keen attention to detail is essential to spot quality deviations and ensure product safety.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in using quality control software and Microsoft Office applications.

Leadership:

• Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate and guide the quality control team.

• To be involved closely with all the departments on the shop floor.

In this role, the Quality Control Manager will lead our QA/QC team and streamline responsibilities into a concise checklist for senior management. They will establish a solid foundation for ensuring product quality and safety, while also providing regular, actionable reports to guide our commitment to excellence in food processing and packaging. We would like to hear from candidates who have the hunger to impact real lives and who can match our high bar on Core Values that we live by.

If you:

• can apply first principles thinking to solve problems

• can envision a great future that you want to create

• have the fire in your belly to get out of your cube and do something about your vision and passion

• want to work with some really smart people, and still raise the bar for all of us

• can have fun and help your colleagues have fun doing all of the above.

Please send your resume to yusuf@popularessentials.in