Assistant Manager – Quality Operations

Job SummaryAssistant Manager – Quality Operations is responsible for leading quality control operations in KSA and governing supplier and QC performance in India. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with food safety standards, monitoring AL Maha & the supplier performance, and driving operational quality excellence across warehouses and supply chain operations.Job Responsibilities India Supplier Quality GovernanceOwn and enforce the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all QC reports from Al Maha Team and third-party laboratories; challenge every discrepancy and drive corrective actions to closureConduct periodic supplier audits and inspections at origin, including random sampling and on-site verification of milling, processing, and storage practicesChallenge Al Maha and supplier compliance with agreed SLAs and quality standards at every stage of the supply chainLead formal performance reviews with Al Maha; enforce accountability and implementation of corrective actionsIdentify deviations and inconsistencies in supplier reports, escalate critical issues, and maintain an audit trail of all findings and resolutionsConduct regular visits to India to engage directly with Al Maha and suppliers, validate on-ground quality practices, and represent Mayar’s quality standardsSupplier Qualification & Performance ManagementSupport supplier qualification and evaluation processes, including audit participation, data analysis, and scorecard developmentTrack and report supplier performance metrics: defect rates, complaints, SLA compliance, and rejection ratesDrive corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) with suppliers and monitor implementation to closureEnsure raw material quality consistency across batches, origins, and suppliersCoordinate with procurement and the Al Maha Team to address supplier-related quality concerns and supply risksMaintain and continuously improve the Supplier Quality Management framework, including evaluation criteria and audit protocolsQuality Issue Management & EscalationOwn the tracking and resolution of all supplier-related quality deviations, complaints, and non-conformitiesLead root cause analysis (RCA) for recurring supplier quality failures, coordinating with relevant internal and external stakeholdersEnsure all critical supplier issues are escalated promptly and documented with full corrective action recordsPrepare and present supplier quality performance reports to senior management on a regular basisContinuous Improvement – Supply Chain QualityIdentify systemic quality gaps in the India supply chain and design corrective programmesDrive initiatives to reduce rejection rates, reprocessing costs, and inbound quality variabilityStandardise supplier audit criteria, QC reporting formats, and inspection protocols across all originsLeverage quality trend data to recommend data-driven improvements that enhance inbound product consistencyKSA Warehouse Quality OversightMonitor compliance with quality standards across KSA warehouse operations (storage, handling, and hygiene)Conduct periodic field visits to warehouses to verify execution of quality standards and identify gapsValidate integrity of warehouse inspection reports, fumigation records, and quality documentation; escalate discrepancies to the ManagerLaboratory Operations SupervisionSupervise daily lab operations, ensuring all testing is conducted per approved SOPs and standardsReview and validate test results for raw materials and finished goods prior to final reportingEnsure calibration, maintenance, and proper utilisation of laboratory equipmentGuide lab technicians in troubleshooting test-related issuesLeadership & Cross-functional CoordinationAct as deputy to the Senior Quality & Transformation Manager; make operational quality decisions in manager’s absenceLead quality reviews and escalation forumsCoordinate with warehouse, procurement, operations, and sales teams on quality alignmentProvide technical quality input to customer-related quality queries when requiredJob RequirementsBachelor’s degree in food science, Food Technology, or related field.4-6 years in supplier quality, QC, or IMS management in an FMCG environment. Experience in rice or grain commodity quality strongly preferred.Willingness to travel periodically to India for supplier audits, site visits, and performance. Desirable Attributes Master’s degree; HACCP Practitioner or ISO 22000 Lead Auditor certification.Prior experience managing supplier relationships in India or South Asia; familiarity with Al Maha or similar sourcing structures.Arabic language is an advantage.