Quality Assurance Manager

AccountabilitiesOptimization of Fruit Quality to CustomersPlan and implement fruit quality control programs for the Japan market in collaboration with distribution partners. Stay updated on arrival and storage quality within the market, along with quality insights from New Zealand and ZGS (non-New Zealand) supply. Monitor fruit loss and ensure fruit quality claims are received and processed promptly in alignment with established standards and systems.Management Quality Outturn Oversee the arrival quality inspection program to gather valuable quality data that aids in prioritizing load-outs and managing quality claims.Implement arrival quality management to support sales planning and channel distribution, minimizing fruit loss and maximizing profit.Coordinate product recalls in close collaboration with distribution partners.Manage the Ready-to-Eat programs where applicable, ensuring quality and readiness for the market.Minimization of Waste with Effective Inventory Management Processes Assist customers in developing an effective inventory management program to ensure high-quality fruit delivery to consumers. This includes processes for fruit sampling, conditioning checks, storage management, inventory tracking, and load-out prioritization.Work closely with the logistics team to ensure all five Japan Distribution Centers adhere to the standards for temperature, ethylene control, and storage. Ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly when standards are not met.Cost Of Quality ForecastingCreate a Cost of Quality (COQ) forecast that includes fruit loss and quality claims, employing statistical analysis and scenario modelling to enhance accuracy.Lead COQ consensus meetings, presenting in-depth insights and performance drivers for the remainder of the year to all key stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making.Product Quality Data Management, Analytics and Performance ManagementTrack and report quality information of arrivals and in-stock across Japan's five Distribution Centers to promptly address quality issues and incidents that fall outside specifications.Regularly share quality insights with the Japan market team to aid in clear communication with customers.Proactively reduce the risk of inventory loss and claims by identifying quality concerns and slow-moving stock, leveraging data analysis and timely communication.Convert raw data (e.g., fruit loss, claims, defect percentages) into actionable insights that support informed decision-making and improve operational efficiencies.Contribute to performance management metrics, such as Cost of Quality, Defect Percentage etc. by monitoring actual performance against established goals and presenting findings to the leadership team.Effective Team LeadershipLead, empower, and engage quality team members, including contracted checking staff, with a focus on performance excellence and accountability.Foster a positive team environment, acting as a role model for company culture and consistently embodying our core values in daily interactions and decision-making.Provide guidance, feedback, and development opportunities to team members to support their growth and ensure alignment with organizational goals.Stakeholder ManagementCollaborate closely and build strong, productive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. Facilitate effective partnerships to enhance service quality, address challenges, and align goals across functions, ensuring the highest standards in quality management.Training and AuditEducate 3PL partners and customers on product characteristics, defect identification, handling procedures, storage practices, and claim processes, ensuring consistency and alignment with the standards.Ensure that quality control teams within 3PL and customer organizations are well-informed on our processes, facilitating accurate and standardized handling of quality claims, inventory data, and quality reports.Provide training and technical support to in-house quality supervisors, customers, and contract fruit checkers, promoting high standards in quality control.Conduct regular audits of fruit quality upon arrival and monitor conditioning checking standards, addressing any inconsistencies promptly to uphold quality benchmarks.QualificationsTertiary qualification in science, agriculture, or related discipline (preferred)10+ years in an product quality management and operations or role. Technical CapabilitiesUnderstanding of product quality management practices of FMCG industry or Fresh produce industry preferred.Experience in Imported products in Japan. Exposure to SAP ECC or S4 preferred.Ability to build, discuss, and implement a wide range of topics from quality management strategy to the tactical execution of the strategy.Superior leadership and change management skills to build a high performing team in an evolving business environment.Strong team player who demonstrates strong personal initiative and integrityAnalytic skillsStrategic and logical thinking