Quality Assurance Lead

We are looking for a QA Lead who can build our quality system from the ground up, enforce it across a distributed supply chain, and own every quality decision independently.

Responsibilities

SOP Design & Implementation

– Write, implement, and maintain QA SOPs for material inward, outward, production, and storage from scratch.

– Train warehouse, production, and logistics teams on SOPs and ensure consistent adherence through regular checks.

– Build and own all quality documentation — GRN checklists, COA review logs, batch release records, rejection reports.

Raw Material & Packaging Quality

– Conduct and document QC checks for all RM and PM inwards — physical, organoleptic, and COA verification.

– Manage NABL-accredited lab testing for RM, PM, and FG; evaluate results against specifications.

– Enforce FEFO and quarantine protocols across all warehouse locations.

RCA & CAPA

– Lead Root Cause Analysis for all quality deviations, customer complaints, and batch failures.

– Design and implement Corrective and Preventive Actions; track to closure with documented evidence.

– Maintain a deviation and CAPA register; report to founders monthly.

CMO Evaluation & Production Audits

– Visit contract manufacturing units for pre-production audits, in-process QC, and post-production FG inspection.

– Evaluate and qualify new CMOs against GMP, FSSAI, and Earthful quality standards before onboarding.

– Conduct periodic re-audits of existing CMOs; raise NCRs and follow up to closure.

– Review BMRs, batch records, and manufacturing documentation; flag deviations immediately.

– Be present at critical production runs to oversee quality at each stage — blending, encapsulation, filling, packaging.

Finished Goods & Compliance

– Own the FG batch release process — no batch goes to dispatch without your sign-off.

– Ensure all products are compliant with FSSAI regulations; manage FSSAI-related documentation and inspections.

– Conduct HACCP analysis and maintain food safety plans for all product categories.

– Coordinate with R&D and Supply Chain on quality-related NPD inputs and launch readiness.

Cross-Functional Coordination

– Work closely with Supply Chain on vendor selection, GRN approvals, and supplier quality reviews.

– Coordinate with R&D on formulation stability, shelf-life validation, and testing requirements.

– Report quality KPIs weekly to founders — rejection rates, CAPA status, open NCRs, batch release status.

What We're Looking For

Must-haves

– 6–8 years in QA/QC in FMCG, nutraceuticals, food, or a closely related industry. Pharma-only backgrounds without food/FMCG exposure will not be considered.

– Demonstrated experience writing and implementing SOPs from scratch — not just following existing ones.

– Strong working knowledge of FSSAI regulations, GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards.

– Hands-on experience conducting CMO audits and vendor evaluations independently.

– Proven ability to lead RCA and CAPA with documented outcomes.

– Comfortable with multi-location field work — warehouse, CMO facilities, and 3PL locations.

– Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.

Strong plus

– Experience with nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, or plant-based products specifically.

– Familiarity with NABL-accredited lab processes and interpretation of analytical results.

– Exposure to D2C brands, start-up environments, or supply chains with multiple CMOs.

– Experience with shelf-life and stability studies under ICH Q1A(R2) or equivalent guidelines.

What this role is not

– A single-factory QA role with a fixed desk and defined shift.

– A documentation-only role where SOPs are already written and you only review.

– A role where you manage a large QA team — you will work lean and own output directly.