QA Manager

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager ensures that all coconut-based products manufactured at Axelum meet the highest standards of quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance. This role leads the development and execution of robust quality systems tailored to coconut processing, supports regulatory and third-party audits, and drives a plant-wide culture of continuous improvement. The QA Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to uphold product integrity throughout all stages of coconut production—from raw material intake to finished goods.

• Quality Systems & Certification Compliance: Develop, implement, and sustain quality and food safety systems in accordance with globally accepted standards such as BRCGS, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, Halal, Kosher, and Organic certification schemes.
• Ensure all products—including desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut water—comply with applicable quality and customer standards.
• Maintain complete, up-to-date documentation including SOPs, quality manuals, risk assessments, traceability records, and food safety plans.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Lead and coach the QA team, fostering a plant-wide culture of food safety, accountability, and continuous improvement; collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to support quality-related initiatives and address deviations.
• Audits & Inspections: Prepare for and lead external audits, internal inspections, and customer assessments; conduct regular internal audits and ensure timely closure of non-conformances through CAPA; monitor ongoing compliance and audit readiness.
• Product Quality Oversight: Supervise in-process and final product quality inspections, including physical, chemical, and microbiological testing; ensure that all raw materials, packaging, and finished goods meet product specifications; lead the investigation and resolution of product complaints and deviations using root cause analysis and structured problem-solving tools.
• Reporting & Continuous Improvement: Analyze and report quality performance metrics and trends to management; implement quality improvement initiatives using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, FMEA, and Kaizen; recommend and execute process enhancements to reduce defects, minimize risk, and maintain product consistency.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in a Quality Assurance leadership role within food manufacturing, ideally in coconut processing.
• Proven expertise in implementing and maintaining global food safety standards (e.g., BRCGS, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP).
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficient in audit management, CAPA, quality risk assessment, and continuous improvement methodologies.