Head of Food Safety & Quality

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) function at our flagship manufacturing site in Hathras. As the Head of Food Safety & Quality, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, compliance, implementation, and continuous improvement of all food safety and quality management systems. This role will serve as a key member of the factory leadership team, ensuring that all processes and products meet regulatory, customer, and internal quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

- Define the long-term FSQA strategy aligned with Mahaan's commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

- Lead the Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Food Safety teams across functions.

- Drive a culture of quality excellence, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance.

Compliance and Risk Management

- Ensure full compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, GFSI, cGMP, FSMA, and other international standards and certifications.

- Lead site preparedness for internal and third-party audits including customer audits, statutory audits, and certifications.

- Implement, monitor, and review all prerequisite programs, CCPs, SSOPs, RM/PM controls, and validation protocols.

Process & Product Quality Oversight

- Oversee and enhance quality systems across raw material intake, production, packaging, warehousing, dispatch, and returns.

- Review SOPs, deviations, CAPAs, market complaints, and product quality metrics on a regular basis.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, R&D, Procurement, and Sales to ensure quality throughout the product lifecycle.

Technical Development and Systems

- Develop technical quality parameters for RM/PM (Physical, Chemical, Microbial) with the R&D team.

- Ensure documentation and validation of product dossiers, manufacturing instructions, and specification sheets.

- Lead the implementation of a modern digital QMS system and data-driven decision-making.

Supplier and Vendor Quality

- Approve and audit vendors, including new vendor onboarding, performance assessment, and compliance.

- Establish and maintain a robust Supplier Quality Assurance Program with procurement and R&D.

Customer & Regulatory Interface

- Handle customer queries related to product quality, certifications, and compliance.

- Act as the site representative for food safety-related statutory and regulatory bodies.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's/Master's degree in Dairy Technology / Food Science / Microbiology.

- Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality, ideally in dairy/FMCG environments.

- In-depth knowledge of Indian and global food regulations, certifications, and quality systems.

- Experience working in or with USFDA/FSMA compliant facilities is an advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies

- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

- Excellent knowledge of HACCP, GFSI, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, and GMP standards.

- Exceptional problem-solving, analytical thinking, and risk assessment skills.

- High proficiency in technical documentation, reporting, and root cause analysis.

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Why Join MahaanImpact

Drive quality excellence that impacts the health and well-being of consumers across India.

Culture

Join a team of passionate food professionals fostering innovation, transparency, and excellence.

Growth

Direct exposure to senior management and the opportunity to influence large-scale transformation in a legacy company.

Other Details

- Work Location: Hathras Manufacturing Facility (with regular internal reviews at HO - New Delhi if required).

- Travel: Periodic travel for supplier and customer audits (domestic primarily).

- Compensation: Competitive, as per industry standards and experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply by sending the following to [HIDDEN TEXT]:

- Updated Resume

- Cover Letter detailing your interest and fit for the role