Lead Auditor - FSSC and BRC

Job Description Lead Auditor, FSSC 22000 v6 or v7 & BRCGS v9

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Company: SGS India Private Limited
Designation: Lead Auditor FSSC 22000 & BRCGS
Department: Food Certification Services
Job Locations: Mumbai, Gurgaon & Chennai
Industry Preference: Seafood / Fish Processing / Food Processing

1. Company Profile

SGS is a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification services. Recognized as a global benchmark for quality and integrity, SGS provides solutions that help organizations achieve compliance, improve quality, and build trust across their operations and supply chains.

2. Job Purpose

To conduct third-party food safety and quality management system audits against FSSC 22000 and BRCGS standards, ensuring compliance with applicable certification requirements, food safety regulations, and industry best practices. The role involves evaluating food manufacturing and processing operations, identifying non-conformities, and supporting clients in maintaining robust food safety and quality management systems.

3. Key Responsibilities

• Conduct third-party certification audits against FSSC 22000 and applicable BRCGS standards.
• Plan, execute, and report audits in accordance with established audit protocols, certification procedures, and accreditation requirements.
• Audit food manufacturing, seafood processing, fish processing, and related supply chain operations.
• Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), HACCP plans, prerequisite programmes, and quality management systems.
• Assess compliance with applicable food safety legislation, regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and certification standards.
• Verify food safety controls, including traceability, allergen management, sanitation, pest control, temperature control, foreign-body prevention, and product recall procedures.
• Identify, document, and communicate non-conformities and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Prepare accurate, complete, and timely audit reports and maintain audit documentation in accordance with SGS procedures.
• Conduct opening and closing meetings with clients and communicate audit findings professionally.
• Maintain auditor competence through continuous professional development, technical updates, calibration sessions, and standard-specific training.
• Ensure adherence to SGS policies, impartiality requirements, confidentiality obligations, and applicable accreditation rules.
• Support client relationship management while maintaining the independence and integrity of the certification process.

4. Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Fisheries, Seafood Technology, Veterinary Science, or a relevant scientific discipline.
• Relevant qualifications and academic backgrounds must meet the applicable qualification criteria for the respective certification schemes.

5. Experience Requirements

• Relevant experience in food safety, quality assurance, food manufacturing, food processing, or third-party certification auditing.
• Proven experience conducting audits against FSSC 22000 and BRCGS standards.
• Preference for candidates with hands-on experience in seafood processing, fish processing, frozen seafood, aquaculture, or related food manufacturing operations.
• Experience in HACCP implementation, food safety compliance, quality management systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in third-party certification bodies or food industry auditing environments will be advantageous.

6. Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP principles, and applicable BRCGS standards.
• Understanding of food safety legislation, prerequisite programmes, risk assessment, and food manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of seafood-specific hazards, cold-chain management, microbiological risks, histamine controls where applicable, and product traceability.
• Ability to evaluate food safety risks, identify non-conformities, and assess corrective action effectiveness.
• Strong audit planning, report writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in preparing audit reports and maintaining accurate records.

7. Required Auditor Competence

Candidates must possess the relevant training, audit experience, industry experience, and technical competence required for the applicable certification schemes.

• Qualification and approval as a Lead Auditor for FSSC 22000 and/or the applicable BRCGS standard, as relevant to the role.
• Valid scheme-specific auditor status or eligibility for approval in accordance with the applicable scheme-owner and certification-body requirements.
• Demonstrated competence in audit planning, execution, reporting, and non-conformity evaluation.
• Willingness to travel extensively for client audits across India, as required.

8. Key Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong client management and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• High attention to detail and a systematic approach to auditing.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple audit assignments.
• Professional integrity, impartiality, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Flexibility to travel and work across different client locations.

9. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely completion of assigned audits.
• Quality, accuracy, and timely submission of audit reports.
• Compliance with applicable scheme requirements and SGS audit procedures.
• Effective identification and documentation of non-conformities.
• Maintenance of auditor competence and technical approvals.
• Positive client interactions while preserving certification impartiality.

10. Work Location - Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Chennai.

Travel Requirement: Extensive domestic travel (Pan - India) based on audit schedules and client requirements.

Ideal Candidate: An experienced food safety professional or third-party certification auditor with FSSC 22000 v6 or v7 and BRCGS v9 expertise, preferably with a food, seafood or fish-processing industry background.