Head - Quality

Role Purpose:

To lead and standardize the Quality function across multiple plants and product lines (Spices, Pickles, Condiments) ensuring the highest standards of food safety, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The role will shape quality strategy, drive continuous improvement, and establish a culture of excellence across the group's manufacturing locations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Quality Leadership

- Define and implement group-wide quality policies, food safety strategies, and SOPs.

- Standardize QA/QC systems across all factories and co-packers.

- Ensure alignment of plant practices with domestic and international quality standards (FSSAI, HACCP, BRC, ISO 22000, USFDA, etc.).

Quality Assurance & Compliance

- Ensure end-to-end compliance with food safety laws, labeling norms, and export regulations.

- Lead third-party audits and certifications (FSSAI, Organic, HALAL, ISO, etc.).

- Oversee regulatory inspections, corrective action planning, and license renewals.

Quality Control Systems

- Implement robust quality control protocols for raw materials, in-process checks, and finished goods.

- Establish and upgrade labs with the right equipment for microbiological, physical, and chemical testing.

- Set and monitor critical quality parameters (moisture, pungency, acidity, TSS, microbial load, etc.).

Factory & Vendor Quality Management

- Conduct regular audits of internal factories and external co-packers/vendors.

- Approve suppliers for spices, oils, preservatives, and packaging materials.

- Drive quality consistency across all locations and SKUs.

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

- Lead RCA (Root Cause Analysis), CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action), and reduction of quality defects.

- Introduce quality dashboards, internal KPIs, and monthly performance reviews.

- Promote a culture of hygiene, GMP, and food safety through structured programs and training.

Team Leadership

- Lead a multi-location team of QA/QC managers, food technologists, and lab analysts.

- Mentor and upskill team members on quality tools, industry trends, and compliance changes.

- Foster cross-functional collaboration with Production, R&D, Procurement, and Sales.