The Quality Manager is a pivotal leadership role at Blue Waters Products Limited, charged with shaping the strategic direction of the Quality Assurance and Quality Control functions.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Leadership & Governance
1. Provide strategic direction for the establishment and continual improvement of QMS and Food Safety Management Systems to ensure alignment with global standards such as FSSC 22000, FSMA, FDA and HACCP.
2. Lead the formulation, execution, and enforcement of quality policies, ensuring products consistently meet customer and regulatory expectations.
3. Oversee internal and external audit readiness and execution, driving comprehensive strategies to address findings and sustain compliance.
4. Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on quality trends, regulatory updates, and emerging risks, enabling informed decision-making.
Operational Excellence
1. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, identifying and implementing transformative initiatives to enhance product quality, efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
2. Partner with cross-functional leaders in engineering, production, and supply chain to eliminate systemic quality challenges and enhance operational synergy.
3. Lead strategic initiatives using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to drive process innovation and achieve measurable business outcomes.
4. Oversee the deployment of state-of-the-art testing and inspection protocols, ensuring the highest standards for raw materials, in-process, and finished goods.
Strategic Supplier Quality Management
1. Develop and implement a comprehensive supplier quality strategy that aligns with organizational objectives and ensures the integrity of incoming materials.
2. Establish long-term, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, driving continuous improvement and adherence to defined quality standards.
3. Lead supplier qualification and performance evaluation programs, ensuring robust partnerships that drive mutual success.
Performance Measurement & Reporting
1. Design and oversee systems for tracking and analyzing quality metrics, providing actionable insights to senior leadership.
2. Deliver regular, high-level quality performance reviews, highlighting trends, successes, and areas requiring focus.
3. Establish and monitor KPIs related to defect rates, customer satisfaction, audit outcomes, and operational excellence, ensuring accountability across teams.
People Development & Leadership
1. Inspire, mentor, and empower the QA/QC team, fostering a high-performance culture that aligns with organizational goals.
2. Drive the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs for staff at all levels, embedding quality and food safety principles into daily operations.
3. Act as a transformational leader, promoting collaboration, innovation, and professional growth across departments.
4. Cultivate an organization-wide commitment to quality and food safety, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision and values.
Qualifications
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in food science, Engineering, Quality Assurance, or a related field (preferred).
· Advanced certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Black Belt, or HACCP are highly desirable.
Experience
· A minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in quality assurance within a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.
· Proven expertise in managing large-scale quality systems and driving compliance with international standards such as FSSC 22000, FSMA, FDA and HACCP.
· Demonstrated success in leading process improvement initiatives and delivering measurable business results through Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies.
Skills & Competencies
· Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and drive cultural change.
· Exceptional strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
· Proficiency in quality management software and data analytics tools, coupled with strong technological acumen.
· Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.