Department: Group R&D

Reporting to: GTQM & Process Manager

The GTQM Assistant Manager is responsible for independently managing assigned Group TQM portfolios, development of Group policies and guidelines, supporting and driving food safety, quality governance, and quality culture across the organisation's Business Units (BUs).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Group TQM Governance

• Support and develop Group Food Safety & Quality policies aligned with international standards.
• Lead assigned governance areas and drive standardised group guidelines / standard operating procedures implementation across BUs.
• Act as custodian for designated quality systems to ensure compliance and brand protection.

2. Critical Food Safety & Quality Management

• Lead or support problem solving of critical food safety/quality issues, including escalation for resolution.
• Apply structured problem-solving (RCA, CAPA) and guide BUs on corrective actions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and support crisis management activities.
• Develop and maintain the manufacturing process Quality Plan governance program for Business Units, coordinating and engaging BUs' key stakeholders for Quality Plan alignment and implementation.

3. Quality Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Manage the Group Quality Complaint Dashboard, verify data accuracy, correct complaint classification, trend analysis, and action tracking.
• Drive improvements via Business Unit Engagement, risk assessments and change management programs.
• Promote food safety and customer-centric quality culture and a continuous improvement mindset.

4. GTQM Resource Systems & Documentation

• Manage GTQM systems and databases, including document control and user access.
• Provide guidance to BUs, coordinate and align Quality Plans across BUs.

5. GTQM Qualification Projects

a) New / alternative vendor qualification for ingredients (RM) and Packaging (PM) — activities include document review, supplier liaison, technical assessment, and audits to meet company standards before listing on the Approved Vendor List.

b) New lines / change of equipment Process Qualification (PQ) — involves sterility test plan design and execution, cleaning and sanitation (CIP), and hygiene verification to meet company requirements, prior to line approval for commercial runs.

6. Packaging Projects

• Support the development, execution, and qualification of primary and secondary packaging.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners on timelines, costs, testing, and package design.

7. Leadership Support & Backup Role

• Act as second-in-command within the GTQM function, supporting the GTQM team with execution clarity across overall GTQM matters.
• Step up to assume broader GTQM responsibilities in the absence of the Manager, ensuring continuity and effective decision-making.

8. Other Assignments

• Undertake any other assignments/projects assigned by superior, to meet business needs.

Functional Skills and Capabilities required

1.      Certified/trained auditor with strong knowledge of FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP, Halal, GMP, and related quality standards.

2.      Strong technical competency in dairy and beverage manufacturing with regional and global quality management exposure.

3.      Project Management skills to deliver projects effectively through planning and execution

4.      Effective communicator with strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration

5.      Demonstrates leadership and teamwork aligned with Organization Values of 3 C (Collaboration, Creating Value and Care for Stakeholders).

6.      Responsive and customer service-oriented, ensuring timely support to meet expectations.

7.      Strong multitasking, prioritization, and time management skills to achieve project milestones.

8.      Positive attitude - self-motivated, enthusiastic and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

9.      Analytical & Quality-Oriented skilled in root cause analysis, risk assessment, data analysis with strong attention to detail.

10.   Willing to travel and provide independent on-site troubleshooting and technical support.

Requirement

1.      Bachelor's Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related Science/Engineering discipline.

2.      Minimum 8–10 years of QA/QC experience in the dairy and/or beverage manufacturing industry.

3.      Experience in developing and managing corporate quality policies, standards, and documentation systems is preferred.

4.      Willingness to travel regionally and internationally as required.

5.     Knowledge and experience in food packaging development, qualification, and validation is an added advantage.

6.       Previous leadership experience in managing regional or QA teams are preferred.