Quality Lab Lead

Job purpose

This role is responsible for overseeing supply and system quality across the factory. The position covers quality control of all incoming raw and packaging materials, supplier improvement initiatives, and quality activities for ex-factory operations, including warehouses and third-party operations. The selected person will lead hygiene programs, HACCP studies, factory cleaning, the integrated management system, external audits, health checks, internal audits, document control, QA and process laboratory improvement, lab procedure development, trials for bulk, raw materials, packaging materials and finished goods, regulatory compliance, instrument calibration, and test evaluations for process operators and analysts. The role also supports the development of factory end-line processes and quality operations.

The company emphasizes meaningful work and an inclusive environment focused on people and the planet.

Operational quality assurance

The Quality Laboratory must be led so that finished goods, bulk materials, raw materials, and packaging inputs are sampled, tested, documented, approved, and aligned with company specifications before release to production. The role also involves improving sampling, inspection, and testing practices to reduce defective material issues and prevent production losses. Warehouses must be guided on the correct handling, transport, storage, and monitoring of raw and packaging materials inside and outside the factory. This position also requires supplier development to address inbound material non-conformities, lead supplier quality improvement projects, ensure calibration and monitoring of all quality and process lab instruments, manage product non-conformances through physical and system blocking plus investigation and corrective action, support analytical method development for new products and materials, coordinate complaints and rework, support export and promotional activities, represent Quality in capability trials with R&D and Production, attend innovation forums for BUL product categories, and act on behalf of the QA Manager when authorized.

Quality systems

The role must ensure that the factory follows and validates the Quality Management System (ISO 9001), HACCP, consumer safety requirements, cleaning standards, GMP (ISO 22716), SASO, and SFDA obligations across critical functions. It also requires building a strong quality reporting structure and making sure all data is reviewed carefully before any external sharing.

UMS support

This position is expected to maintain 5S standards in the department and personally own workplace area, while also conducting 5S checks for quality and process laboratories. The role supports UMS activities with QM team members and works with PEs and technical teams to implement quality maintenance in laboratory and making operations to reduce defects. Participation in the creation of OPLs and KAIZENs for the Quality Pillar is also part of the job.

People and management

The job holder will conduct on-the-job and classroom training in quality, HACCP, GMP, MSDS, and QMS. The role includes building team capability in inspections, analysis, decision-making, reporting, communication, quality awareness, and consumer understanding. A key part of the role is improving employee engagement around quality and working closely with PEs and operators to build a strong quality culture and consumer mindset.

The person in this role must maintain top quality standards and ensure safe working practices and environmental responsibility in full compliance with health, safety, environment, quality, consumer safety, UMS, and customer service requirements for the factory.

Required qualifications

A degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Biochemistry is required. The role calls for at least 2 years of supervisory experience, or relevant FMCG manufacturing experience with exposure to quality or analytical laboratory work as an added advantage. Strong analytical ability, a logical and structured working style, computer proficiency, and fluent spoken and written Arabic and English are essential. The candidate should also be a team player with strong communication skills and the ability to train others.

Preferred leadership strengths

The preferred leadership qualities for this role include Purpose & Service, Personal Mastery, Agility, Business Acumen, Talent Catalyst, Consumer Love, and Passion for High Performance.

Equity, inclusion, and support

The employer is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity. Candidates who need support or access accommodations during the hiring process are encouraged to share those needs during application so assistance can be provided throughout recruitment.