BAJO FOODS - Quality Head - Food Manufacturing

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:

Product Quality Assurance & Control:

- Lead quality checks for raw materials, packaging materials, in-process stages, and finished goods.

- Approve batch releases after validating specifications and safety parameters.

- 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.

Regulatory & Statutory Compliance:

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

- Oversee implementation and maintenance of ISO 22000 FSMS, HACCP, GMP, hygiene standards, and related certifications.

- Manage licensing, renewals, regulatory documentation, and interface with external authorities during inspections.

Contract Manufacturing Quality Governance:

- Set quality standards and audit frameworks for all 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.

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.

Audits, Documentation & CAPA Management:

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

- Prepare for and manage 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 NCRs, CAPA reports, specifications, test results, and audit records.

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.

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.

Team Leadership & Capability Building:

- 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:

- Bachelors degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Technology, or related field (Masters in business is preferred).

- Professional certifications: FSSAI Food Safety Supervisor/Manager, ISO 22000 Lead Auditor, HACCP certification.

- Strong understanding of FSMS, HACCP, GMP, and 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.