Quality Assurance Manager – Dairy Production

About the role

The Quality Assurance Manager will lead the QA vision for Cargills Cheese factory in Bogahawatta/Hatton, ensuring food safety, product quality and regulatory compliance across the dairy value chain.

Key responsibilities

• Define QA vision and set measurable objectives aligned with the dairy sector strategy.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve QA and food‑safety procedures for raw materials, processing, packaging, storage, distribution and retail.
• Ensure effective execution of FSMS/QMS, including team competency, shift‑level monitoring and timely corrective actions.
• Lead and maintain certifications such as HACCP, ISO 22000/FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, GMP, HALAL/GSO.
• Collaborate with Production to analyse quality trends, sensory evaluations, microbiological and chemical results.
• Coordinate consumer complaint investigations, root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Oversee supplier QA, including new‑supplier approval, risk assessment, audits and milk‑quality monitoring.
• Manage, develop and motivate the QA team, fostering a strong quality culture.
• Plan and control QA operating and capital budgets.
• Supervise laboratory operations, ensuring accurate testing, method validation and regulatory compliance.
• Support new product development, renovation and benchmarking activities.

Required profile

• Proven experience in food‑safety and quality management within a dairy or food‑manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on knowledge of FSMS/QMS implementation and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead certification audits and maintain compliance.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting microbiological, chemical and sensory data.
• Experience managing supplier quality and conducting risk assessments.
• Leadership experience in building and developing high‑performing QA teams.

Required skills

• HACCP
• ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
• ISO 9001
• GMP
• HALAL / GSO certification
• Microbiological testing
• Chemical testing
• Supplier audit
• Risk assessment
• Corrective and preventive action (CAPA)
• Quality Management System (QMS)
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
• Sensory evaluation
• Data analysis
• Budget planning