Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance & Food Safety ManagerPosition PurposeLead Quality Assurance and Food Safety (Q&FS) across retail, café, warehouse, supply chain, co-packing, distribution and franchise operations in the Middle East. Ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, audit readiness, supplier quality, risk management and continuous improvement while protecting consumers and brand reputation.Key ResponsibilitiesQ&FS Governance & ComplianceMaintain Q&FS policies, standards and procedures in line with legal and industry requirements.Monitor risks, compliance performance and improvement initiatives.Support new stores, operational changes and strategic projects with Q&FS expertise.Act as the escalation point for critical quality and food safety issues.Operations & AuditsEnsure compliance with hygiene, allergen, traceability, temperature control and food handling standards.Oversee co-packing, warehousing, distribution and product release activities.Develop and execute risk-based audits across stores, suppliers, warehouses and franchise operations.Track corrective actions and ensure timely closure.Supplier & Regulatory ManagementManage supplier approval, evaluation and audit programs.Ensure compliance with UAE, KSA and GCC food regulations, labelling and import requirements.Coordinate halal compliance, certifications and regulatory submissions.Support product testing, specification management and shelf-life assessments.Incident & Complaint ManagementLead investigations into quality and food safety complaints.Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.Manage product withdrawal, recall and crisis response activities.Monitor trends and drive preventive improvements.Training & Food Safety CultureDevelop and deliver food safety training and awareness programs.Maintain mandatory training records and certifications.Promote a strong culture of food safety, quality and compliance.Leadership & ReportingPartner with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, HR and external stakeholders.Prepare periodic Q&FS performance reports, dashboards and risk assessments.Drive continuous improvement initiatives across multiple markets and sites.Qualifications & ExperienceEssentialBachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Assurance or related field.7-10 years' experience in Quality Assurance and Food Safety within retail, food service or manufacturing.HACCP and Food Safety certification.Internal/Lead Auditor qualification.Knowledge of food safety management systems (ISO/FSSC 22000, BRCGS, IFS or equivalent).Strong knowledge of UAE/GCC food regulations.Experience in supplier management, audits, CAPA and incident investigations.Fluent English and willingness to travel across the region.PreferredMaster's degree in a related discipline.Arabic language skills.Advanced certifications in Food Safety, Quality or Halal Management.Experience with multi-site, franchise or co-packing operations.Key CompetenciesFood Safety & Regulatory ExpertiseAudit & Risk ManagementAnalytical Problem SolvingStakeholder Management & InfluencingCommunication & ReportingLeadership & CoachingContinuous ImprovementExecution ExcellenceKey Success MeasuresAudit and training plan completion.Timely closure of CAPAs and compliance actions.Reduced repeat non-conformances and customer complaints.Positive regulatory inspection outcomes.Improved supplier quality performance.Effective reporting and risk management.