Manager, Technical Quality Assurance

Overview

 

Role at a Glance

As Manager, Technical Quality Assurance, you will lead quality activities across a portfolio of external manufacturing partners, ensuring products are manufactured in compliance with regulatory requirements and the highest quality standards. You will play a key role in quality oversight, new product introductions (NPI), technology transfers, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Provide quality leadership and oversight for external contract manufacturers (CMs).
• Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives and oversee remediation plans.
• Monitor supplier quality performance, conduct quality reviews, and ensure supplier compliance.
• Lead investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and quality risk assessments.
• Support GMP audits, regulatory inspections, and quality compliance activities.
• Review, maintain, and manage Quality Technical Agreements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Science & Technology, Commercial, and Supply Chain functions.
• Serve as the QA Lead for product technology transfers, validation activities, and new product introductions (NPI).
• Partner with Manufacturing, Sourcing, R&D, Technical Centers, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Global Sourcing, and contract manufacturers to ensure quality requirements are met throughout the product lifecycle.
• Provide technical expertise on product risks, design considerations, quality expectations, and associated trade-offs to support informed business decisions.
• Effectively engage with global stakeholders across diverse cultures and time zones, promoting clear communication, accountability, and timely resolution of technical and operational challenges.

Team Dynamics

• Foster cross-functional alignment and consensus on product design, quality, risk management, cost optimization, and commercialization priorities while balancing business, technical, and compliance requirements.

Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 5-10 direct and indirect reports.
• Provide functional and project leadership by offering Quality Assurance guidance, driving risk resolution, facilitating decision-making, and influencing cross-functional teams throughout development, commercialization, NPI, and validation activities.

Qualifications for Success

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of relevant experience in Quality Assurance, Food Manufacturing, or regulated industries.
• Proven experience managing HACCP systems and food safety programs.
• Experience leading internal, external, and regulatory audits and inspections.
• Demonstrated success in driving compliance, quality excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, FMEA, and quality risk assessment methodologies.
• Sound understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of food ingredients, nutrient functionality, product formulation calculations, and data analysis.
• Proven ability to prepare concise technical documentation and communicate effectively with global, cross-cultural stakeholders.

Skills & Certifications

• Strong knowledge of applicable food and product regulations, including labeling requirements, manufacturing processes, and product relationships; familiarity with regulatory standards relevant to nutritional products and infant formula products where applicable.
• Extensive experience in food manufacturing, quality leadership, and highly regulated environments.
• Proven expertise in managing HACCP systems and food safety programs.
• Experience leading audits, supplier assessments, and regulatory inspections.
• Demonstrated ability to drive compliance initiatives and continuous quality improvement programs.
• Working knowledge of FMEA, risk management, and HACCP principles.
• Thorough understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong knowledge of food ingredients, nutrient functionality, product calculations, and data analysis.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across global and cross-cultural teams.