Role at a Glance
As Manager, Technical Quality Assurance, you will lead quality activities across a portfolio of external manufacturing partners, ensuring products are manufactured in compliance with regulatory requirements and the highest quality standards. You will play a key role in quality oversight, new product introductions (NPI), technology transfers, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
How You'll Make an Impact
- Provide quality leadership and oversight for external contract manufacturers (CMs).
- Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives and oversee remediation plans.
- Monitor supplier quality performance, conduct quality reviews, and ensure supplier compliance.
- Lead investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and quality risk assessments.
- Support GMP audits, regulatory inspections, and quality compliance activities.
- Review, maintain, and manage Quality Technical Agreements.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Science & Technology, Commercial, and Supply Chain functions.
- Serve as the QA Lead for product technology transfers, validation activities, and new product introductions (NPI).
- Partner with Manufacturing, Sourcing, R&D, Technical Centers, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Global Sourcing, and contract manufacturers to ensure quality requirements are met throughout the product lifecycle.
- Provide technical expertise on product risks, design considerations, quality expectations, and associated trade-offs to support informed business decisions.
- Effectively engage with global stakeholders across diverse cultures and time zones, promoting clear communication, accountability, and timely resolution of technical and operational challenges.
Team Dynamics
- Foster cross-functional alignment and consensus on product design, quality, risk management, cost optimization, and commercialization priorities while balancing business, technical, and compliance requirements.
Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of 5-10 direct and indirect reports.
- Provide functional and project leadership by offering Quality Assurance guidance, driving risk resolution, facilitating decision-making, and influencing cross-functional teams throughout development, commercialization, NPI, and validation activities.
Qualifications for Success
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Master's degree preferred.
Experience
- 10+ years of relevant experience in Quality Assurance, Food Manufacturing, or regulated industries.
- Proven experience managing HACCP systems and food safety programs.
- Experience leading internal, external, and regulatory audits and inspections.
- Demonstrated success in driving compliance, quality excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong working knowledge of HACCP, FMEA, and quality risk assessment methodologies.
- Sound understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Knowledge of food ingredients, nutrient functionality, product formulation calculations, and data analysis.
- Proven ability to prepare concise technical documentation and communicate effectively with global, cross-cultural stakeholders.
Skills & Certifications
- Strong knowledge of applicable food and product regulations, including labeling requirements, manufacturing processes, and product relationships; familiarity with regulatory standards relevant to nutritional products and infant formula products where applicable.
- Extensive experience in food manufacturing, quality leadership, and highly regulated environments.
- Proven expertise in managing HACCP systems and food safety programs.
- Experience leading audits, supplier assessments, and regulatory inspections.
- Demonstrated ability to drive compliance initiatives and continuous quality improvement programs.
- Working knowledge of FMEA, risk management, and HACCP principles.
- Thorough understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Strong knowledge of food ingredients, nutrient functionality, product calculations, and data analysis.
- Excellent technical writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across global and cross-cultural teams.
