Quality Control (QC) Manager

Job Responsibility:
The QC Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all Quality Control operations, including the Microbiological Lab, Analytical Lab, and Raw Material Control Group. This role ensures that raw materials, in-process products, finished goods, utilities, and production environments meet defined standards of quality and food safety. The QC Manager supports troubleshooting, internal investigations, product release decisions, and also contributes to validation activities and trial runs. The role is further responsible for lab equipment readiness and maintenance, and for ensuring safety compliance in lab operations.
Duties will include and not be limited to:
1. QC Team Leadership & Supervision
• Lead, coach, and develop QC teams across microbiological, analytical, and raw material control functions.
• Set objectives, assign responsibilities, and ensure skill development through regular coaching and training.
• Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement within the QC function.
2. Laboratory and Quality Control Oversight
• Ensure all testing activities (microbiological, analytical, physical) are performed according to approved methods, SOPs, and quality plans.
• Oversee inspection and control of raw materials, semi-finished, and finished products, as well as water and environmental samples.
• Review and approve testing records and batch documentation; ensure proper release via SAP or equivalent system.
3. Laboratory Equipment & Readiness
• Ensure all laboratory equipment and tools are regularly calibrated, maintained, and in validated condition for reliable operation.
• Oversee the inventory, usage, and lifecycle management of laboratory chemicals, reagents, and equipment.
• Coordinate external services for calibration or technical maintenance where necessary.
4. Lab Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all QC operations are conducted in compliance with safety standards and protocols (e.g., PPE use, chemical handling, waste disposal).
• Conduct regular safety checks and ensure readiness for internal or regulatory EHS audits.
• Train and reinforce safety awareness among QC staff.
5. Documentation & Specification Management
• Approve and maintain product specifications, test methods, and SOPs.
• Ensure documentation is current, aligned across functions, and audit-ready.
6. Support for Validation & Trial Activities
• Participate in and support validation efforts, including method validation, cleaning validation, and process trials.
• Coordinate with R&D and Production to ensure QC readiness and effective data collection during new product trials or process changes.
7. Non-Conformance Handling & Troubleshooting
• Review quality incidents and testing deviations; lead or support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Track and follow up on non-conformance reports (NCRs) and CAPAs related to raw materials, processing, and finished products.
8. Audit Readiness & Compliance
• Ensure laboratories operate in compliance with GMP, HACCP, ISO/FSSC, and internal quality systems.
• Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections.
9. Reporting & Improvement
• Analyze QC performance data and laboratory KPIs; provide monthly reports to QAQC Manager.
• Identify improvement opportunities in testing operations, resource utilization, and team performance.
• Propose investments or upgrades in equipment, method efficiency, and testing capacity where needed.