Regional Quality Assurance Manager
Godiva Chocolatier · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tailor my CV for this job — freeQuality Assurance Manager – Middle East
This role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across retail stores, cafés, warehouses, co-packing operations, distribution networks, suppliers, and franchise partners.The successful candidate will play a key role in protecting consumers, safeguarding brand reputation, and driving a strong food safety culture across multiple markets.Key ResponsibilitiesQuality & Food Safety LeadershipLead and maintain regional Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs, policies, standards, and procedures.Ensure compliance with local regulations, corporate requirements, and industry best practices.Identify risks, monitor performance trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions.Serve as the key escalation point for critical food safety and quality matters.Retail, Café & Supply Chain QualityOversee hygiene, allergen management, traceability, temperature control, cleaning, pest control, and product handling standards.Support quality and food safety controls across warehousing, distribution, retail, café, and co-packing operations.Conduct operational assessments and provide coaching to business teams.Support new store openings, renovations, and business expansion projects.Audit & ComplianceDevelop and execute risk-based audit programs across stores, warehouses, suppliers, logistics providers, co-packers, and franchise operations.Lead internal audits, pre-opening assessments, and regulatory readiness reviews.Track corrective actions to closure and ensure sustainable compliance.Support external, customer, certification, and regulatory audits.Supplier & Product Quality ManagementManage supplier approval, monitoring, and re-evaluation programs.Conduct supplier audits and technical assessments.Partner with Procurement to ensure quality, food safety, legal, and halal requirements are embedded within sourcing decisions.Coordinate laboratory testing and technical review of products and materials.Regulatory & Halal ComplianceMaintain expertise in UAE, KSA, GCC food regulations, labeling requirements, and import/export controls.Manage interactions with food control authorities and certification bodies.Coordinate halal compliance programs and documentation.Support shelf-life studies and regulatory submissions.Complaints, Incidents & Crisis ManagementLead customer complaint investigations using structured root-cause analysis.Manage CAPA programs, product holds, recalls, traceability exercises, and crisis simulations.Monitor complaint trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Escalate significant risks in accordance with company protocols.Training & Food Safety CultureDevelop and implement annual Quality and Food Safety training plans.Deliver engaging training and awareness programs across multiple functions.Promote a proactive food safety culture and strengthen compliance awareness.Reporting & Cross-Functional CollaborationPrepare regular Quality & Food Safety performance reports.Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, HR, Facilities, Customer Experience, and Regulatory teams.Support regional and global projects and share best practices across markets.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or related field.7–10 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance and Food Safety.Experience within retail, cafés, food service, confectionery, food manufacturing, or FMCG environments.HACCP certification and Level 4 Food Safety qualification (or equivalent).Qualified Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor.Strong knowledge of food safety management systems such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, IFS, or AIB.Practical knowledge of UAE and KSA food regulations and GCC labeling requirements.Experience managing complaint investigations, CAPA, traceability, and recall programs.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.Fluent English and willingness to travel across the region.Key CompetenciesFood Safety & Quality LeadershipRegulatory ComplianceSupplier Quality ManagementAudit & Risk ManagementRoot Cause Analysis & CAPAStakeholder ManagementData Analysis & ReportingTraining & CoachingProject ManagementContinuous ImprovementWhy Join Us?This is an opportunity to lead Quality & Food Safety across a dynamic, multi-country operation while influencing business performance, consumer safety, and brand excellence throughout the Middle East region. You will work with cross-functional teams, external partners, and senior stakeholders to build a culture of quality and continuous improvement.Apply now if you are passionate about food safety, quality excellence, and driving meaningful impact across a premium consumer brand.