1. Job Purpose
To lead the company’s Quality Assurance, Research & Development, and System Compliance functions in ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous innovation. This role is key in supporting the company’s mission of delivering safe, high-quality tea and coffee products while meeting market demands and internal strategic goals.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and supervise a team comprising:
- 3 Quality Assurance Staff
- 3 Food Technologists (Product R&D & Labelling)
- 1 System Compliance Coordinator
- Set team objectives aligned with company goals and monitor performance.
- Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
B. Quality Assurance & Food Safety
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of QA systems across raw material intake, production, and finished goods.
- Lead internal QA reviews and coordinate third-party audits (e.g. Halal, HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, MESTI).
- Ensure product consistency and safety through in-house testing protocols and quality control checks.
- Manage non-conformance reports (NCRs), root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
C. Research & Product Development
- Drive formulation, improvement, and innovation of tea and coffee products (instant, & traditional).
- Supervise product trials, sensory evaluations, and scale-up to production.
- Collaborate with marketing and production to ensure product feasibility, appeal, and cost control.
- Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and packaging materials to enhance product value.
D. System Compliance & Certification
- Ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory and certification requirements (JAKIM, MOH, etc.).
- Maintain documentation and system updates in line with HACCP, Halal Assurance System, GMP, and ISO standards.
- Coordinate with the System Compliance Coordinator to manage training, documentation control, and audit readiness.
3. Key Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or related field.
- Additional certifications in HACCP, Halal Internal Auditor, ISO 22000, Organic or Quality Systems preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ working experience in QA/R&D in food or beverage manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory capacity.
- Experience leading teams and working cross-functionally with production and marketing.
- Knowledge of tea and coffee product characteristics and formulation is an added advantage.
Technical Competency
- Strong knowledge of food safety and quality standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, Halal).
- Skilled in sensory analysis, lab testing, formulation, and shelf-life evaluation.
- Familiar with regulatory labelling, ingredient declaration, and export standards.
Soft Skills
- Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
- Strategic thinker with ability to translate company goals into operational execution.
- Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Able to manage multiple projects and timelines under pressure.
4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Compliance score in third-party and internal audits.
- Reduction in customer complaints and product non-conformances.
- Number and success rate of new product developments launched.
- Team performance and training progress.