Operations Manager Food Safety & Certification

Apave International; Mumbai; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Apave International is seeking an experienced Operations Manager – Food Safety & Certification to lead our FSSAI Certification and Food Safety Services in India. You will drive client onboarding, build a network of auditors and ensure high-quality service delivery across sectors including manufacturing, hospitality and retail.

The role demands 12–15 years in food safety, FSSAI compliance and auditing, with a strong techno-commercial orientation to grow the business and manage operations

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of experience in food safety, FSSAI compliance, certification, auditing or related consulting services.
• Graduate or postgraduate qualification in Food Technology, Food Science, Dairy Technology, Microbiology, Agriculture or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of the FSSAI framework and the food industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the operations of FSSAI Certification and Food Safety Services.
• Develop and grow the business by identifying and onboarding new clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients across food manufacturing, hospitality, retail, restaurants and catering.
• Understand client requirements and propose FSSAI certification, food safety and compliance solutions.
• Oversee end-to-end execution and delivery of FSSAI-related certification, audits and services.
• Develop a network of qualified FSSAI auditors and technical experts for service delivery.
• Coordinate deployment of auditors and resources for client assignments.
• Ensure timely, high-quality delivery and support commercial proposals and pricing.
• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for new food safety services.
• Maintain high levels of client satisfaction and long-term relationships.

Skills

Food safety

Auditing

Business development

Client onboarding

Relationship management

Networking

Education

Graduate/Postgraduate in Food Technology, Food Science, Dairy Technology, Microbiology, Agriculture

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager – Food Safety & Certification to lead and develop our FSSAI Certification and Food Safety Services business.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in the food safety and certification ecosystem, with the ability to develop business, onboard clients, build a network of qualified auditors and ensure effective delivery of services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the operations of FSSAI Certification and Food Safety Services.
• Develop and grow the business by identifying and onboarding new clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across food manufacturing, hospitality, retail, restaurants, catering and other relevant sectors.
• Understand client requirements and propose appropriate FSSAI certification, food safety and compliance solutions.
• Manage the end-to-end execution and delivery of FSSAI-related certification, audit and food safety services.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of qualified FSSAI auditors, food safety professionals and technical experts for empanelment and service delivery.
• Identify and onboard suitable auditors and technical resources based on business and operational requirements.
• Coordinate the deployment of auditors and technical experts for client assignments.
• Ensure timely, efficient and high-quality delivery of services.
• Prepare and support commercial proposals, pricing and business development activities.
• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for developing new food safety and certification services.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and build long‑term client relationships.
• Work closely with internal teams and external technical resources to ensure smooth operational execution.

Candidate Profile

• 12–15 years of relevant experience in food safety, FSSAI compliance, certification, auditing, inspection or related consulting services.
• Graduate/Postgraduate qualification in Food Technology, Food Science, Dairy Technology, Microbiology, Agriculture or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of the FSSAI framework, food safety standards and the food industry.
• Experience in managing both client acquisition/business development and service delivery.
• Strong network and industry connections with FSSAI auditors and food safety professionals would be a significant advantage.
• Strong techno‑commercial orientation with the ability to develop business and manage operations.
• Lead Assessor qualification for Integrated Management Systems (IMS) would be good to have.
• Experience in handling NABCB audits and accreditation requirements would be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication, networking and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of business and operational growth.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a professional who can lead the operations, develop the business, onboard clients and build a strong network of qualified auditors and technical experts to support service delivery.

• The role would be ideal for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong experience within the FSSAI, food safety, certification and auditing ecosystem.