What are the Key Deliverables in this role?

Financial Outcomes

• Cost of poor quality & wastage reduction: Tracking Cost of poor quality and taking initiatives to reduce the same.
• Participate in Budgeting for the QA function of the Unit and ensuring the overall cost is with-in the budget
• Ensure efficient quality control and assurance processes for raw materials, packaging materials, in-process, and finished   goods to minimize wastage.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and process capability studies to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Support regulatory compliance to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Customer Service

• Address customer complaints received via the consumer portal by conducting root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Coordinate with certifying bodies such as FSSC, Halal, Kosher, RA, and Organic for audits; ensure closure of compliance requirements.
• Ensure delivery of products that meet customer expectations for safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Internal Processes

• Implement and sustain Food Safety & Quality Standards (FSSC 22000, FSMS, QMS) across the unit.
• Oversee documentation, audit coordination, and closure of findings for compliance.
• Conduct sensory evaluation for coffee products; manage pre-shipment samples and green coffee stock.
• Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) & Good Warehousing Practices (GWP).
• Generate Management Information System (MIS) reports; analyse data for quality improvement.
• Monitor First Time Right (FTR) and New Product Development (NPD) sample management.
• Manage shift arrangements for QA chemists and operators.
• Ensure vendor quality compliances by coordinating with suppliers to meet product quality and food safety standards.
• Coordinate with internal units to maintain consistent product quality and adherence to food safety compliances across all operations.

Innovation and Learning

• Lead problem-solving initiatives/Kaizens; drive continuous improvement culture within the team.
• Impart training to shop floor employees on GMP, Food Safety, FSSC 22000 requirements, FSSAI standards.
• Support development and implementation of updated SOPs; ensure teams are trained on new procedures.
• Foster a culture of food safety, quality, and innovation across the unit.

What are the Critical success factors for the Role?

• Demonstrated experience in plant quality operations within the instant coffee industry (manufacturing & packing).
• In-depth knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), Quality Management Systems (QMS), and regulatory requirements (FSSAI).
• Proven ability to manage multiple internal/external stakeholders effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications & SAP systems.
• Experience with coffee tasting/green coffee is advantageous.
• 5+ years of experience

What are the Desirable success factors for the Role?

• Familiarity with global food safety standards including FDA/EU regulations.
• Experience handling customer complaints & conducting RCA/CAPA processes.
• Ability to manage audits/certification processes (FSSC/Halal/Kosher/RA/Organic).
• Demonstrated leadership in team competency mapping/training initiatives.
• Problem-solving mindset; track record of Kaizen/continuous improvement initiatives.