Quality Head - Food Manufacturing (FMCG)

Location: Bangalore

The Quality Head will lead the complete quality and food safety function for Lo Foods across in-house operations and contract manufacturing units. The role is accountable for defining, implementing, and governing quality systems, regulatory compliance, supplier and manufacturing standards, and all internal and external audit processes.

This position plays a central role in ensuring that all products including Atta, high-protein snacks, cookies, ready-to-eat foods, and bread meet the highest standards of safety, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

Functional Classification & Responsibilities:

1. Product Quality Assurance & Control:

- Developing robust systems for incoming raw material approval, process control, and Finished product release.

- Approve batch releases after validating specifications and safety parameters.

- Ensure the internal lab is equipped with appropriate instruments, calibration systems, and skilled personnel while maintaining compliance with internal and external standards.

- Define and update quality standards, testing protocols, and SOPs across all product lines.

- Ensure consistent execution of quality checks at in-house and partner manufacturing units.

2. Regulatory & Statutory Compliance:

- Ensure Label claims, Artworks compliance with all FSSAI regulations, Food Safety Standards, and other statutory norms applicable to food manufacturing.

- Manage FSSAI license modifications and renewals, regulatory documentation, and interface with external authorities during inspections.

- Effective closure of the consumer grievances raised in the FoSCoS portal with the relevant RCA and CAPA within the stipulated time.

- Oversee the Quality Management Systems & Food Safety: Establishing, implementing, and continuously improving QMS in line with FSSAI, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, and corporate standards.

- Drive external certifications, regulatory inspections, and ensure compliance with all legal and customer requirements.

3. Contract Manufacturing Quality Governance:

- Prepare the Periodic audits schedules for all contract manufacturing units, Audit report preparation and ensure timely closure of the audit observations and improve the Audit score of the Contract manufacturing units.

- Ensure adherence to GMP, testing protocols, packaging and labelling norms, and company-defined quality guidelines.

- Conduct periodic audits, reviews, and CAPA follow-ups to ensure consistent quality across partners.

4. Cross-Functional Quality Coordination:

- Collaborate with Procurement to define specifications and evaluate supplier quality for ingredients and packaging.

- Work closely with Production teams to implement robust in-line quality controls and end-of-line validations.

- Partner with R&D on new product development to integrate quality and safety from the trial stage onward.

5. Audits, Documentation & CAPA Management:

- Lead all internal audits, plant inspections, and process adherence.

- Managing the external audits including regulatory, certification, and customer audits. Drive root-cause analysis for deviations and close non-conformances within defined timelines.

- Maintain comprehensive quality documentation, including SOPs, Process checklists, RCA and CAPA reports, specifications, test results, and audit records.

6. Continuous Improvement & Quality Systems Development:

- Drive process improvement initiatives to reduce defects, optimise yields, and minimise waste.

- Utilise quality tools such as FMEA, Pareto, control charts, and statistical analysis for decision-making.

- Build long-term quality roadmaps to strengthen systems, capability and product performance.

7. Output & Customer-Facing Improvements:

- Improvement in customer ratings and product reviews across platforms.

- Reduction in customer complaints per million units sold (CPM).

- Faster turnaround time for complaint investigation and closure.

- Improvement in product consistency scores based on VOC (Voice of Customer).

- Reduction in market returns, replacements, and quality-related rejects.

- Enhancement of product performance in sensory evaluations and shelf-life stability tests.

8. Team Leadership & Capability Building:

- Capability Building & Leadership: Developing Contract manufacturer wise wide quality training programs to build employee competence. Lead, Coach and mentor Quality assurance and Quality control teams, Build a high-performing quality team through effective performance management.

- Lead, mentor, and develop the Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams across sites.

- Ensure training on SOPs, GMP, hygiene, food safety, and audit readiness.

- Drive a culture of accountability, discipline, and quality ownership throughout the organisation.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Technology, or related field (Master's preferred).

- Professional certifications: FoSTac certification, Any FSMS Lead Auditor certification - ISO 22000/FSSC 22000/BRCGS/.

- Strong understanding of FSMS, HACCP, GMP, Schedule IV and relevant food safety regulations.

- Proficiency in documentation, audit processes, and quality management tools.

Experience Requirements:

- Minimum 8 - 12 years of experience in FMCG food manufacturing quality, including leadership responsibilities.

- Proven expertise in handling quality for baked goods, flours, snacks, RTE foods, and similar categories.

- Experience managing quality across multiple sites and contract manufacturing partners.

- Strong background in audits, plant quality operations, and process improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- Reduction in non-conformance rates and customer complaints.

- Improved audit outcomes with minimal major findings.

- Timely closure of CAPAs and zero regulatory non-compliances.

- Efficiency improvements through cost savings, better yields, and reduced waste.

- Strengthened quality system maturity and team capability.

Role Impact:

This role is critical in ensuring that Lo Foods consistently delivers safe, reliable, and superior-quality products that strengthen consumer trust and drive brand loyalty. The Quality Head will be a key guardian of product integrity and customer experience.