QA Associate Director - FMCG

The QA Associate Director is responsible for developing and executing the overall Quality Assurance strategy to ensure compliance with company standards, customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and international quality and food safety standards. This role leads the Quality Management System (QMS) across manufacturing operations, supplier networks, and market quality activities while driving a culture of continuous improvement, quality excellence, and consumer trust.

1. Quality Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the organization's Quality Assurance strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Establish and maintain quality standards across products, manufacturing processes, packaging, and supply chain operations.
• Drive a culture of "Quality First" throughout the organization.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to Manufacturing, R&D, Procurement, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Regulatory Affairs teams.
• Lead quality transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple sites.

2. Quality Management System (QMS)

• Oversee the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and certifications, including: ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, BRCGS
• Local and international regulatory requirements
• Ensure all quality procedures, SOPs, and work instructions are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Monitor QMS performance through quality scorecards and dashboards.
• Manage change control processes related to product, process, and packaging modifications.

3. Manufacturing Quality Assurance

• Ensure effective quality controls throughout manufacturing operations.
• Establish quality monitoring systems to maintain product consistency and compliance.
• Lead initiatives to reduce defects, quality losses, rework, and waste.
• Implement risk-based approaches to identify and mitigate manufacturing quality risks.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and hygiene standards.

4. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead the Food Safety Management Program across all manufacturing facilities.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards.
• Oversee HACCP implementation and verification activities.
• Lead Food Defense and Food Fraud Prevention programs.
• Act as the primary quality representative during regulatory inspections and certification audits.
• Ensure readiness for government inspections and customer audits.

5. Supplier Quality Management

• Develop and execute supplier quality strategies and governance models.
• Approve and monitor supplier qualification programs.
• Lead supplier audits and performance reviews.
• Partner with Procurement to drive continuous improvement initiatives with strategic suppliers.
• Monitor and improve key supplier quality metrics, including:
• Incoming Defect Rate
• Supplier CAPA Closure Rate
• Supplier Audit Compliance Scores

6. Consumer & Market Quality

• Oversee the consumer complaint management process.
• Lead investigations related to customer complaints and quality incidents.
• Utilize Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies to identify systemic issues.
• Implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence.
• Analyze quality trends and market feedback to drive product and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Commercial and Customer Service teams to enhance consumer satisfaction.

7. Quality Risk Management & Product Recall

• Develop and maintain Product Recall and Crisis Management procedures.
• Lead investigations and response activities related to major quality incidents.
• Ensure regular mock recall exercises are conducted.
• Participate in enterprise crisis management teams during critical events.
• Minimize business, regulatory, consumer, and reputational risks associated with quality failures.

8. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead Quality Excellence initiatives across the organization.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma projects to improve quality performance.
• Apply quality improvement methodologies including: CAPA, FMEA, SPC, RCA, 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagram
• Identify opportunities to reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, waste reduction, and customer satisfaction.

9. People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing quality organization.
• Build succession pipelines for critical quality leadership roles.
• Establish competency development programs for QA teams.
• Drive employee engagement, capability building, and talent retention.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, Quality Management, or related fields.
• Master’s Degree or MBA is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, or Quality Management within FMCG.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing quality teams and quality systems.
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing operations and multinational organizations is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of QMS, GMP, HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, and regulatory compliance.
• Solid experience in Quality Risk Management, CAPA, RCA, Audit Management, and Continuous Improvement.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and quality analytics.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to lead change, drive performance, and develop high-performing teams.

Preferred Certifications:

• Lead Auditor (ISO/FSSC/BRCGS).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• HACCP Certification.