Job Description – Food Technologist (Quality, Operations & Planning) Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka Experience: 5–6 Years Department: Quality & Operations About the Role We are looking for an experienced Food Technologist to lead quality systems across multiple contract manufacturing facilities while supporting production planning, manufacturing operations, and raw material sourcing. The role is primarily responsible for ensuring product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, supplier quality, and implementation of robust quality management systems. The candidate will also coordinate production planning, factory operations, and supplier management to ensure seamless manufacturing execution. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in breakfast cereals, nut butters, protein bars, granola, oats, and other packaged food categories, with exposure to contract manufacturing. Key Responsibilities Quality Control & Quality Systems (Primary Responsibility) Manage Quality Control activities across multiple manufacturing locations. Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Management Systems (QMS) and quality protocols. Prepare, review, and maintain quality documentation, including SOPs, Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs), Batch Packing Records (BPRs), product specifications, quality inspection checklists, process validation documents, and quality protocols. Review and approve Raw Material COAs, Finished Goods test reports, and laboratory analysis. Monitor in-process quality checks and ensure compliance with approved specifications. Investigate quality deviations, non-conformities, and customer complaints, and implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA). Coordinate shelf-life studies, product validation, and stability testing. Ensure compliance with FSSAI, GMP, HACCP, and FSSC 22000 requirements. Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits and ensure timely closure of audit observations. Factory Operations Coordinate with contract manufacturing partners to ensure adherence to approved manufacturing processes and quality standards. Conduct regular factory visits to monitor production, hygiene, GMP compliance, and operational performance. • • • • • • • • • • • 1 Ensure adherence to approved formulations, process controls, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Support production trials, commercial production, process scale-up, and continuous process improvements. Work with manufacturing partners to improve operational efficiency and reduce quality-related losses. Production Planning & Material Coordination Coordinate production schedules with manufacturing partners to ensure timely execution. Plan raw material requirements based on production plans. Work closely with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely raw material availability. Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with stakeholders to prevent production disruptions. Raw Material Sourcing & Supplier Management Identify, evaluate, and onboard new raw material suppliers. Source raw materials that meet quality, commercial, and regulatory requirements. Conduct technical evaluation of supplier samples and coordinate laboratory and production trials for approval. Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, minimum order quantities (MOQs), lead times, and annual rate contracts with suppliers. Develop alternate suppliers to improve supply continuity, reduce supply risks, and optimize costs. Collaborate with Procurement to ensure timely sourcing and uninterrupted raw material availability. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturing partners. Work closely with suppliers to resolve quality issues, improve raw material performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline. Experience 5–6 years of experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Operations, or Production Planning within the food industry. Experience managing quality systems across contract manufacturing facilities. Hands-on experience in breakfast cereals, nut butters, protein bars, granola, oats, or similar packaged food categories. Strong knowledge of food safety standards, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 Required Skills Strong understanding of food quality systems, food safety, and regulatory requirements. Experience in documentation control, audit management, and CAPA implementation. Experience in production planning, factory operations, and contract manufacturing management. Knowledge of raw material sourcing, supplier qualification, and commercial negotiations. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong communication, vendor management, and stakeholder management abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems. Willingness to travel regularly to contract manufacturing locations.
