Head of Quality and Research & Development (Disability Coverage)

Description

**Job Posting Summary** **Publication Date:** October 20, 2025 **Salary:** 30,000\.00 (MXN) \- 40,000\.00 (MXN) per month Job Description: **Job Objective:** Lead the company’s Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) and Research & Development (R\+D) initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance (FSSC 22000, SENASICA, FDA, etc.) and production under strict "human-grade" quality standards. The goal is to guarantee the development and delivery of safe, nutritionally consistent, and highly differentiated foods while driving continuous improvement of products and processes. **Location: Palo Alto, El Marqués, Qro.** **Key Responsibilities:** **Plant Quality and Food Safety Assurance** * **Lead and maintain the FSSC 22000 Management System** and its documentation, ensuring continuous certification. * **Ensure operational food safety at the plant** by supervising compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)/HACCP, Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)/Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and critical controls. * **Manage the audit cycle** (internal/external), non-conformities, and implementation of corrective actions (root cause analysis). * **Establish and monitor Quality KPIs**, and ensure batch release in accordance with specifications and regulatory requirements. **Regulatory Compliance and Audits** * Coordinate external certification audits (e.g., FSSC 22000) and official authority inspections (e.g., SENASICA or others), ensuring documentary and operational compliance. * Ensure full traceability (**forward & backward**) and documentary verification of critical suppliers. * Maintain up-to-date product technical files (specifications, data sheets, claims, labels, scientific supporting documentation). **Research, Development, and Nutrition** * Lead the development of new recipes and optimization of existing ones aligned with AAFCO/FEDIAF profiles. * Demonstrate nutritional functionality through formulation, testing, and technical validation. * Conduct shelf-life, stability, and palatability testing. * Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processes (e.g., steam, freeze-drying, gentle baking) while preserving nutritional and sensory integrity. **Cross-Functional Management** * Establish quality specifications for raw materials (RM) and finished products (FP), and collaborate with Procurement on supplier evaluation and qualification. * Work with Production to ensure quality is built into process design—not added via inspection. * Support Commercial/Marketing teams with claims, labeling, technical documentation, and fact-based, substantiated communication. **Mandatory Requirements:** * **Education:** Degree in Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, or Food Engineering. * **Experience:** 5\-7 years leading quality systems in the **food industry** (fresh/cooked/frozen preferred) or *premium pet food*. * **Advanced Technical Expertise:** * Implementation and management of **FSSC 22000** (verifiable experience). * Proficiency in HACCP and prerequisite programs, and audit management. * Knowledge of pet food regulations (AAFCO / FEDIAF). * Handling of critical microbiological criteria (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria). * **Competencies:** **Floor leadership**, operational discipline, ability to enforce procedures (not just document them), and data-driven continuous improvement orientation. **Behavioral Competencies:** * **Operational discipline**, floor leadership, zero tolerance for critical deviations. * **Ability to enforce**, not merely document. * **Research-oriented mindset**, grounded in data and continuous improvement. * **Ability to interact across multiple functions** (Production, Procurement, Marketing, Executive Leadership). Employment Type: Full-time Benefits: * Additional vacation days or paid leave * Grocery vouchers Relocation/Moving Capability: * Palo Alto, Qro.: Ability to commute to work without difficulty or plan relocation prior to starting employment (Mandatory) Application Question(s): * Level of proficiency in FSSC 22000, HACCP, and Prerequisite Programs. (Verifiable) * Level of proficiency in: Labeling knowledge, traceability, and food defense/Food Fraud. (Verifiable) Experience: * Leading quality teams and systems. Food industry: 5 years (Mandatory) Work Location: On-site employment Employment Type: Full-time Salary: $30,000\.00 \- $40,000\.00 per month Benefits: * Additional vacation days or paid leave * Grocery vouchers Relocation/Moving Capability: * Palo Alto, Qro. (El Marqués Municipality): Ability to commute to work without difficulty or plan relocation prior to starting employment (Preferred) Application Question(s): * • Level of proficiency in FSSC 22000, HACCP, and Prerequisite Programs. (Verifiable) * Level of proficiency in: Labeling knowledge, traceability, and food defense/Food Fraud. (Verifiable) Work Location: On-site employment