Quality Manager

Job Purpose:The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of feed quality and safety by overseeing laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and quality control systems. This role leads initiatives to enhance quality assurance processes, drive continuous improvement, and support formulation and production excellence across United Group’s operations.Key Accountabilities:Quality Systems & Compliance OversightDevelop and implement quality assurance frameworks that ensure full compliance with ISO, GMP, HACCP, and local regulatory standards.Maintain independence in quality monitoring by enforcing rigorous standards across raw materials, in-process checks, and finished goods.Lead regulatory audits and maintain audit readiness through robust documentation, traceability, and system control.Develop, implement, and monitor quality objectives and KPIs, ensuring continuous improvement across the organization.Laboratory Management & Operations Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and independent testing of samples in line with approved QA protocols.Supervise lab staff and ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and validation of laboratory equipment.Establish lab testing schedules that operate independently from production timelines to ensure unbiased quality evaluation.Oversee laboratory operations, including testing methods, equipment calibration, method validation, and competency development.Lead the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, customer standards, and company policies.Root Cause Analysis & Continuous ImprovementLead investigations into non-conformities, applying structured root cause analysis and implementing corrective/preventive actions.Drive quality improvement initiatives using automation, digital tools, and data analytics to enhance system performance.Develop, implement, and monitor quality objectives and KPIs, ensuring continuous improvement across the organization.Actively monitor trends in product quality and work with cross-functional teams to mitigate recurring issues.Supplier & Material Quality ManagementOversee supplier quality verification processes to ensure raw materials consistently meet defined specifications.Conduct independent audits and evaluations of material compliance, coordinating findings with procurement and R&D.Establish and maintain raw material and finished product specifications, sampling plans, and risk-based quality controls.Maintain quality specifications and testing criteria for all sourced inputs.Training & Quality Culture DevelopmentBuild quality awareness by training QA and lab personnel on best practices, protocols, and compliance requirements.Establish a quality-first culture through structured onboarding, SOPs, and knowledge-sharing platforms.Promote integrity, accountability, and transparency across all QA activities and interactions.Quality Customer Development & AuditsManage customer complaints, internal non-conformities, and market feedback, ensuring timely investigation and effective resolution.Plan and execute internal audits and coordinate external regulatory and certification audits.Identify quality-related risks and develop mitigation plans to protect product integrity and brand reputation.Qualifications and Experience:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field.10+ years in Quality Assurance, including at least 4 years in a leadership role within the feed, food, or life sciences industry.ERP/QMS, Quality Documentation, SOPs