Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager – Traditional Indian Sweets Manufacturing
Department: Quality Assurance & Quality Control
Location: Surat
Position: QA Manager (TIS – traditional Indian sweets)
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Control Manager to oversee all quality-related activities in our traditional Indian sweets manufacturing unit. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all products meet food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and the company's quality specifications. The role involves managing monitoring production processes, implementing quality systems, conducting audits, and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
- Inspect and approve incoming raw materials including milk, khoa, ghee, sugar, dry fruits, edible oils, flavors, spices, packaging materials, and additives.
- Verify supplier quality documents and Certificates of Analysis (COA).
- Ensure all raw materials comply with FSSAI standards and internal specifications.
- Monitor milk quality parameters including Fat, SNF, Acidity, MBRT, Adulteration, Antibiotic Residues, and Microbiological Quality.
- Develop and implement quality control procedures for all manufacturing stages.
- Monitor critical process parameters such as cooking temperature, moisture content, Brix, pH, frying conditions, and cooling processes.
- Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Conduct regular in-process inspections and record observations.
- Approve finished products before dispatch.
- Monitor product attributes including:
- Taste
- Texture
- Aroma
- Appearance
- Weight
- Shelf Life
- Packaging Quality
- Label Compliance
- Conduct routine microbiological and chemical testing.
- Manage the quality control laboratory.
- Ensure calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Develop testing schedules for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and reports.
- Ensure compliance with:
- FSSAI Regulations
- HACCP
- GMP
- GHP
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
- Legal Metrology requirements
- Maintain documentation required for regulatory inspections.
- Coordinate external laboratory testing where required.
- Monitor plant hygiene and sanitation practices.
- Verify Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) and Cleaning-Out-of-Place (COP) effectiveness.
- Conduct environmental monitoring and swab testing.
- Ensure pest control activities are effectively implemented.
- Prepare and maintain:
- SOPs
- Quality Manuals
- Batch Manufacturing Records
- Quality Inspection Reports
- CAPA Reports
- Non-Conformance Reports
- Calibration Records
- Internal Audit Reports
- Ensure document control and traceability.
- Lead and supervise QC executives, microbiologists, chemists, and lab technicians.
- Conduct training programs on food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
- Investigate customer complaints related to product quality.
- Perform root cause analysis.
- Implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
- Monitor effectiveness of corrective actions.
- Conduct internal quality audits.
- Coordinate customer audits and third-party certification audits.
- Ensure timely closure of audit observations.
- Identify opportunities to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
- Reduce quality deviations, product wastage, and customer complaints.
- Implement quality improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen principles where applicable.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in:
- Dairy Technology
- Food Technology
- Food Engineering
- Dairy Science
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Minimum 5–10 years of quality control experience in dairy, sweets, confectionery or food manufacturing.
- Experience in traditional Indian sweets manufacturing will be preferred.
- Knowledge of traditional Indian sweets manufacturing processes such as:
- Gulab Jamun
- Rasgulla
- Rasmalai
- Peda
- Barfi
- Kaju Katli
- Laddu
- Mysore Pak
- Kalakand
- Shrikhand
- Rabdi
- Understanding of dairy chemistry and microbiology.
- Knowledge of shelf-life studies.
- Familiarity with laboratory instruments including:
- Lactometre
- GC Machine
- Gerber Equipment
- pH Meter
- Moisture Analyzer
- Brix Meter
- Incubators
- Autoclave
- Strong knowledge of FSSAI regulations and food safety standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management
- Decision-making ability
- Documentation and report writing
- Time management
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Manufacturing and laboratory environment.
- Rotational shifts may be required based on production schedules.
- Regular interaction with production, procurement, maintenance, and regulatory authorities.
- HACCP Lead Auditor
- ISO 22000 Internal Auditor
- FSSC 22000 Certification
- GMP & GHP Training
