Senior Executive Quality (Microbiology)
Location: Induri, Pune
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Executive – Quality (Microbiology) to lead microbiological testing and food safety activities at our manufacturing facility in Induri. This role is responsible for ensuring the microbiological safety of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and the manufacturing environment through robust testing, environmental monitoring, and compliance with global food safety standards.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in food microbiology, pathogen testing, environmental monitoring, laboratory operations, and regulatory compliance, along with the ability to make critical product release decisions based on microbiological analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Microbiological Testing & Laboratory Operations
Perform microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, water, and environmental samples in accordance with approved laboratory methods and standard operating procedures.
Conduct routine and pathogen-specific testing, including Salmonella, E. coli, Coliforms, Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Yeast & Mold, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Perform advanced microbiological techniques, including PCR-based pathogen detection, and safely handle Class II pathogen cultures in accordance with laboratory biosafety requirements.
Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure proper calibration of laboratory equipment such as PCR systems, autoclaves, incubators, Milli-Q systems, and other microbiology laboratory instruments.
Product Quality & Food Safety
Review, interpret, and evaluate microbiological test results and make timely, data-driven decisions regarding product acceptance, batch release, or product hold.
Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results, contamination incidents, and microbiological deviations, and support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Ensure all microbiological testing is completed accurately and within defined turnaround timelines to support manufacturing operations.
Environmental Monitoring & Hygiene
Develop, implement, and sustain the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP/PEM) and hygienic zoning practices across the manufacturing facility.
Monitor environmental hygiene through routine sampling and trend analysis to proactively identify contamination risks.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen food safety and microbiological control programs.
Compliance & Governance
Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000, FSSAI regulations, ISO standards, GMP, HACCP, and Mondelez Global Quality and Food Safety policies.
Maintain laboratory documentation, records, and traceability in accordance with regulatory and internal quality management requirements.
Participate in internal, external, customer, and regulatory audits and provide microbiological expertise during inspections.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Lead day-to-day microbiology laboratory operations, ensuring timely execution of testing activities and adherence to quality standards.
Support proficiency testing, competency assessments, and continuous capability development within the laboratory team.
Drive improvements in laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and microbiological risk management.
Qualifications
M.Sc. in Microbiology (Mandatory)
Minimum 5 years of experience in a microbiology laboratory within the Food, FMCG, Dairy, Beverage, or Food Processing industry.
Preferred Experience
Robust hands-on experience in food microbiology and pathogen testing.
Experience handling PCR-based testing and microbiological laboratory equipment.
Sound understanding of environmental monitoring programs (EMP/PEM) and hygienic zoning.
Knowledge of FSSC 22000, FSSAI, ISO 22000, GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
Ability to independently interpret microbiological results and make critical product quality decisions.
Experience supporting audits, compliance activities, and laboratory documentation.
📌 Senior Quality Executive (Pune)
🏢 Mondelez
📍 Pune