Manager - Food Safety, Supplier Audit & GFSI

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food Safety & Quality Systems

- Establish and implement food safety management systems (FSMS) across suppliers and internal operations

- Ensure compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, GMP, GHP and global food safety standards

- Drive risk assessment frameworks and preventive controls across the supply chain

- Monitor and improve food safety KPIs, including incidents, deviations, and corrective actions

2. GFSI Standards & Compliance

- Lead implementation and adherence to GFSI-recognized standards (BRCGS, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000 )

- Support suppliers in achieving and maintaining GFSI certifications

- Conduct gap assessments and drive certification readiness programs

- Stay updated with evolving global standards and regulatory requirements

- Reduction in food safety incidents and non-conformances

- Ensure Suppliers to comply GFSI certified / FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 compliant

3. Supplier Audits & Vendor Management

- Plan and execute supplier audits (food safety, quality systems, process audits)

- Develop and implement audit checklists, scorecards, and supplier rating systems

- Identify risks and ensure closure of CAPAs (Corrective and Preventive Actions)

- Timely closure of CAPAs

- Drive supplier capability building through training and continuous improvement initiatives

4. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

- Ensure compliance with FSSAI licensing, labeling, and regulatory requirements

- Review and approve product specifications, COAs, and compliance documentation

- Support regulatory audits and ensure readiness across all supplier sites

5. Incident Management & Continuous Improvement

- Lead food safety incident investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation

- Drive continuous improvement programs to reduce non-conformances and risks

- Establish strong traceability and recall systems

6. Training & Capability Building

- Conduct training programs for internal teams and suppliers on food safety standards and best practices

- Build awareness and capability on FSMS standards, hygiene, and compliance requirements

7. Cross-functional Collaboration

- Work closely with NPD, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Operations teams

- Support new supplier onboarding and product launches with food safety compliance

- Align packaging, storage, and logistics practices with food safety standards

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong expertise in Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)

- In-depth knowledge of GFSI standards (BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SQF, ISO 22000)

- Experience in supplier audits, risk assessment, and CAPA management

- Strong understanding of FSSAI regulations and compliance

- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills

- Ability to drive supplier capability building and training programs

- High attention to detail and audit rigor

Qualifications:

- B.Tech / M.Tech in Food Technology / Food Science / Microbiology / Related field

- Certifications in HACCP / Lead Auditor (BRCGS / FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000) preferred

Experience:

- 8-12 years in Food Safety, Quality, and Supplier Audits

- Experience in Implementation of FSSC 22000/ BRC / ISO 22000 Certification for the Food Industries

- FMCG / QSR / Retail / Food Manufacturing

- Strong exposure to GFSI audits and certification processes

Travel Requirement:

- Extensive travel (~50-70%) across supplier locations for audits, training, and compliance checks

- Comfortable working on-site with manufacturing partners