Manager - Quality (Fresh Produce)

DeHaat; Ludhiana; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

DeHaat is seeking a QA Lead Auditor to oversee the certification portfolio and lead the Quality Department for fresh fruits. You will drive audits (Global GAP, BRC, FSSC 22000), develop SOPs, and ensure export compliance across APEDA, AGMARK, and FSSAI.

You will train supervisors, coordinate with procurement and export teams, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce rejections and enhance product safety.

Qualifications

• Lead the certification portfolio with knowledge of Global GAP, BRC, SMETA, Fairtrade, BSCI.
• Lead auditor certified in a GFSI-recognized standard.
• Oversee quality dept for fresh fruits; responsibility for fruit quality management.
• Develop and monitor SOPs across procurement, handling, and export operations.
• Provide training to supervisors and staff to improve performance.
• Ensure compliance with APEDA, AGMARK, FSSAI, and related export standards.
• Conduct quality audits, risk assessments, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with procurement, operations and export teams for QA.
• Laboratory selection for different food safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall certification portfolio and strategic QA initiatives within the organization.
• Manage the Quality Department for fresh fruits and ensure fruit quality management.
• Develop, implement, and monitor SOPs across procurement, handling, and export.
• Provide training and development to supervisors and quality staff to strengthen performance.
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards including APEDA, AGMARK, FSSAI, and phyto-safety requirements.

Skills

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Sheets

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

BSc/MSc/BTech in Food Science/Technology

Job description

DeHaatTM, a leading Agri-Tech organisation, offers end-to-end solutions to India's farmers using AI technologies. With apresence in 12 states, 18,000+ DeHaat Centers, and 500+ FPOs, we impact 13 million+ farmers. Our AI crop advisory covers 30+ crops in regional languages & we export to 30+ countries. Founded by top institute alumni, DeHaat is fully funded, achieving consecutive Great Place to Work certifications. Recognized by NASSCOM, Forbes, ET, NitiAayog, and Bill Gates Foundation, our 14-year journey reflects impactful innovation in the agricultural sector.

• Lead overall certification portfolio in the organization. Must have the knowledge of Global GAP, BRC, SMETA, Fairtrade, BSCI etc.
• Must be lead auditor certified in GFSI recognized standard
• Lead and manage the Quality Department for fresh fruits, with direct responsibility for fresh fruits quality management.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across procurement, handling, and export operations.
• Provide training and capacity-building to supervisors and quality staff to enhance operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with national and international regulations including APEDA, AGMARK, FSSAI, Phyto-Sanitary, and global retail standards.
• Conduct quality audits, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce rejections and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with procurement, operations, and export teams to ensure end-to-end quality assurance.
• Laboratory selection for different food safety compliance

Qualification & Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Food Science or Technology (B.Sc./M.Sc./B.Tech)
• 3-8 yrs of experience in quality assurance within the food processing industry
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Power Point); and Google Sheets.
• Expertise on quality management systems for fresh produce
• Proven experience in conducting audits (BRC, FSSC 22000, plant, and supplier audits).
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, GMP, HACCP, and quality management systems & export compliance (APEDA, AGMARK, FSSAI, Phyto)
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.