Quality Control Manager

Job Description

The QC Manager is responsible for leading all laboratory and quality control activities at the Bečej site, ensuring that raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The role oversees laboratory operations, testing programs, stakeholder coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives within a soy protein and oils processing environment. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding product integrity, supporting operational excellence, and maintaining customer and regulatory trust.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory & Operational Management

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the site laboratory, ensuring full compliance with internal standards, legal requirements, and health & safety regulations
• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted efficiently, safely, and in alignment with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and validation of laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of results
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve laboratory methods, procedures, and work instructions
• Manage laboratory budgets and costs, ensuring optimal resource utilization without compromising quality or safety
• Lead internal audits, self-inspection programs, and ensure readiness for external audits and certifications (e.g., ISO 17025, GFSI schemes)
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Testing, Sampling & Analytical Oversight

• Define, implement, and monitor sampling and testing plans for raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of analytical testing, including wet chemistry and instrumental techniques (GC, HPLC, ICP)
• Oversee in-process control testing and final product verification to ensure adherence to specifications
• Manage relationships with external laboratories, including sample coordination, data review, and performance monitoring
• Lead validation and verification of analytical methods, proficiency testing (ring tests), and inter-laboratory comparisons
• Drive adoption of new analytical technologies and continuous improvement of testing capabilities

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure positive release of finished products and approval/rejection of raw materials based on defined specifications
• Maintain full compliance with food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, and GFSI-recognized schemes such as FSSC 22000, BRC, and IFS
• Oversee contaminant monitoring programs, allergen control processes, and environmental monitoring programs (EMP)
• Lead deviation management processes, including root cause analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and management of change (MOC)
• Ensure all quality-related documentation, certifications, and records are accurate, complete, and audit-ready

Supply Chain Quality & External Coordination

• Oversee quality control processes for inbound soybeans, including sampling, testing, and release decisions
• Monitor quality and compliance across storage, transport, and external warehouse operations
• Coordinate with suppliers, logistics teams, and third-party inspection bodies to ensure consistent quality standards
• Support supplier performance monitoring, including enforcement of quality agreements and claims management for non-conformance
• Ensure compliance of transshipment points and external facilities with defined quality and handling protocols

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of laboratory professionals, fostering a high-performance and accountable culture
• Define performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and support employee development through structured training plans
• Maintain training records and ensure competency development aligned with technical and regulatory requirements
• Promote effective communication, engagement, and collaboration within the team and across functions

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance, Production, Supply Chain, and global laboratory networks
• Participate in specification management, product performance investigations, and new product development initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality outcomes
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of laboratory technologies, food safety standards, and soy processing advancements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
• Proven experience in quality control area within food processing, agriculture, or related industries
• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques, laboratory systems, and quality standards (GLP, ISO 17025)
• Solid understanding of food safety principles, including HACCP and microbiological controls
• Effective teams management and working in cross-functional environments

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
• High level of organization, planning, and attention to detail
• Proficiency in SAP, LIMS, and data analysis/reporting tools
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Fluency in Serbian and English