Head – Food Inspections

Qualiteklab; Mumbai; Hybride; INR 3 500 000 - 6 000 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive compensation aligned with

Leadership role with pan-India scope

Travel across India

Résumé du poste

Qualitek Labs is seeking a Head – Food Inspections to lead and scale its food inspection vertical across India. This senior role covers end-to-end ownership of inspection operations, technical quality, client relationships, regional teams and revenue growth.

The ideal candidate brings 15+ years in food safety, strong leadership, and the ability to drive P&L while ensuring regulatory compliance and high client satisfaction. Hybrid Mumbai base with nationwide responsibilities.

Qualifications

• B.Sc / M.Sc in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Agriculture or related; B.Tech Food Technology preferred.
• Lead Auditor ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 17020 certifications are an advantage.

Responsabilités

• Own end-to-end planning, execution and delivery of food inspection services across regions including pre-shipment, in-process, supplier/audits, warehouse, cold chain, retail and commodities.
• Ensure inspections meet FSSAI, Codex, ISO/IEC 17020 and client protocols; standardise SOPs and reports; review reports and manage escalations.
• Drive NABCB/ISO 17020 accreditation compliance and support audits and assessments; stay updated on regulations and export-import norms.
• Develop and execute growth strategy for food inspection services across India; manage key clients and tendering, pricing and contracts.
• Lead regional heads and inspectors nationwide; set KPIs, workforce planning, training and competency programs.

Connaissances

Leadership

Client management

Regulatory knowledge

English & Hindi communication

Travel readiness

Formation

B.Sc / M.Sc in Food Technology/Science/Agriculture

Lead Auditor ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 17020

Description du poste

Location: Mumbai (Hybrid), with pan-India responsibility
Department: Food Inspections / Quality Assurance Services
Reports to: Business Head / Director
Employment type: Full-time
Experience: 15+ years

Role Summary

Qualitek Labs is looking for a Head – Food Inspections to lead and scale its food inspection vertical across India. The role covers end-to-end ownership of inspection operations, technical quality, client relationships, regional teams and revenue growth. It suits a seasoned food safety professional who can combine technical depth with business and people leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inspection Operations & Technical Leadership

• Own the planning, execution and delivery of food inspection services across all regions: pre-shipment, in-process, supplier and vendor audits, warehouse, cold chain, retail and commodity inspections.
• Ensure inspections follow FSSAI regulations, Codex, ISO/IEC 17020 and client-specific protocols.
• Standardise SOPs, checklists, sampling plans and inspection reports across locations.
• Review and approve critical reports and handle escalations and disputes on findings.

2. Quality, Compliance & Accreditation

• Maintain compliance with accreditation requirements (NABCB / ISO 17020) and support audits and assessments.
• Keep up with changes in food safety regulations, export-import requirements and industry standards, and update processes to match.
• Drive a culture of integrity, impartiality and confidentiality in all inspection work.

3. Business Development & Client Management

• Develop and execute the growth strategy for food inspection services in India.
• Build and manage relationships with key clients: food manufacturers, exporters, importers, retailers, agri-commodity players, government bodies and certification agencies.
• Support tendering, proposals, pricing and contract negotiations.
• Identify new service lines and market opportunities.

4. Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor and review the performance of regional heads, managers and inspectors across India.
• Set goals and KPIs, and manage workforce planning, deployment and utilisation.
• Run training and competency programmes, including authorisation and calibration of inspectors.

5. P&L and Operational Excellence

• Own the P&L for the vertical: revenue, margins, cost control and receivables.
• Track and report TAT, inspector productivity, report quality and client satisfaction.
• Use digital tools, MIS and dashboards for better visibility and efficiency.

Candidate Profile

Education

• B.Sc / M.Sc in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Agriculture or a related discipline (B.Tech Food Technology preferred).
• Additional certifications (Lead Auditor ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 17020) are an advantage.

Experience

• 15+ years in food inspection, quality assurance, auditing or testing and inspection services, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience managing multi-location or pan-India teams.
• Background in an inspection, certification or testing company (TIC industry) is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FSSAI, food safety systems, export-import norms and global food standards.
• Proven track record in P&L management and business growth.
• Strong client-facing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Leadership, decision-making and analytical ability.
• Excellent communication in English and Hindi (other regional languages are a plus).
• Willingness to travel across India as required.

Work Arrangement

• Hybrid, based in Mumbai, with periodic travel to regional offices, client sites and inspection locations across India.

What We Offer

• A leadership role with pan-India visibility and decision-making authority.
• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and industry standards.
• Opportunity to build and shape a growing inspection vertical.