Regional Head - QA, Zone4

Heritage Foods; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Heritage Foods seeks a Quality Regional Manager to oversee quality, safety, and compliance for milk and dairy products from collection to packaging. You will lead chemical and microbiological testing, ensure ISO, FSSAI, AGMARK, EIA, and FSMS adherence, calibrate equipment, and drive continuous quality improvements.

You will manage audits, data accuracy, and training of the quality team, coordinating with NABL/FSSAI labs and export processes to uphold high food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or related field.
• Proven QA experience in dairy/food processing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of FSSAI, ISO, FSMS, AGMARK, and EIA standards.
• Hands-on lab testing of milk and dairy products.
• Calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments.
• Strong data management, reporting, and attention to detail.
• Experience in audits, deviations, and corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and training facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Familiarity with NABL/FSSAI-approved labs and export compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and laboratory analyses of raw milk and milk products at BMC/CC and packing stations, including testing for fat, SNF, alcohol, MBRT, heat stability, adulterants, CIP, sanitizers, and other critical parameters.
• Ensure compliance with FSSAI, AGMARK, EIA, and FSMS standards through SOPs and proper documentation across facilities.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot quality testing instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
• Monitor, record, and report quality data in real time with zero deviations.
• Implement microbiological testing protocols and coordinate with NABL/FSSAI-approved labs for pathogen detection.
• Prepare and maintain specifications for raw materials, packaging, and finished products.
• Lead audits across packing stations ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Identify skill gaps within the quality team and deliver targeted training; report to HRD.
• Coordinate with EIA officials for export product compliance and documentation.
• Continuously improve quality standards, testing methods, and operational practices.
• Ensure all laboratory test methods are updated and applied consistently across stations.

Skills

QA Management

Auditing

Lab Testing

Data Analysis

Regulatory Compliance

Training

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Technology, or Microbiology

Tools

Thermometers

pH meters

Centrifuge

Job description

The Quality Regional Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the consistent quality, safety, and compliance of milk and milk products across all stages of production—from raw milk collection at BMC/CC and chilling centers to final packaging. This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive chemical and microbiological testing, enforcing adherence to ISO, FSSAI, AGMARK, EIA, and FSMS standards, and maintaining rigorous hygiene and sanitation protocols. By implementing standardized procedures, calibrating testing equipment, and driving continuous improvement in quality practices, the incumbent ensures regulatory compliance, product integrity, and customer satisfaction. The role also involves leading quality audits, managing data accuracy, training the quality team, and coordinating with statutory and external agencies to uphold the highest standards in food safety and quality management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely inspections and laboratory analyses of raw milk and milk products at BMC/CC and packing stations, including testing for fat, SNF, alcohol, MBRT, heat stability, adulterants, CIP, sanitizers, and other critical parameters.
• Ensure compliance with FSSAI, AGMARK, EIA, and FSMS standards through strict adherence to SOPs and proper documentation across all facilities.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot quality testing instruments (e.g., thermometers, Zippets) to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Monitor, record, and report quality data in real time with zero deviations, ensuring data integrity and timely reporting.
• Implement and enforce microbiological testing protocols, including enumeration of TPC, coliforms, and YMC, and coordinate with NABL/FSSAI-approved labs for pathogen detection (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens).
• Prepare and maintain physical, chemical, and microbiological specifications for raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products.
• Lead and execute statutory, internal, and third-party audits across all packing stations, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Identify skill gaps within the quality team, deliver targeted training on quality modules, and submit team performance details to HRD for appraisal evaluation.
• Coordinate with EIA officials for export product compliance and documentation.
• Continuously evaluate and refine quality standards, testing methods, and operational practices to drive improvement and innovation.
• Ensure all laboratory test methods are updated and implemented consistently across all packing stations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in quality assurance within the dairy or food processing industry, preferably in a regulated environment.
• In-depth knowledge of FSSAI, ISO, FSMS, AGMARK, and EIA standards and regulatory compliance.
• Hands-on experience with chemical and microbiological testing of milk and dairy products.
• Proficiency in calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and data management skills with attention to detail.
• Experience in conducting audits, managing deviations, and driving corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and training facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and ensure compliance under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with NABL/FSSAI-approved lab coordination and export compliance processes.