Quality Assurance Manager - Mindanao

The Quality Assurance Manager – Rice Seeds is responsible for ensuring that all rice seed products meet established quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company specifications from seed production and processing through storage, testing, and distribution . The role oversees quality control systems, seed testing, documentation, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure that only high-quality and compliant seeds reach customers and farmers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) systems for rice seed production and processing.
• Establish quality standards and procedures for seed production, harvesting, drying, processing, treatment, packaging, storage, and distribution.
• Supervise seed sampling and testing for germination, physical purity, moisture content, varietal purity, seed health, and other required quality parameters.
• Coordinate with accredited or internal laboratories for seed testing and certification requirements.
• Monitor production and processing activities to ensure compliance with approved quality specifications.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of seed production areas, processing facilities, warehouses, and inventory.
• Investigate quality issues, customer complaints, and non-conformities and implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain complete and accurate records of seed testing, quality inspections, traceability, certifications, and batch documentation.
• Ensure proper lot/batch traceability from seed production through final distribution.
• Monitor storage conditions, including temperature, humidity, cleanliness, pest control, and proper stock rotation, to preserve seed quality.
• Work closely with Production, R&D, Agronomy, Warehouse, Sales, and Regulatory teams to resolve quality concerns.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations, seed certification standards, and company policies.
• Develop and conduct training programs for employees involved in seed production, processing, sampling, testing, and handling.
• Analyze quality data and prepare regular reports for management.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce seed quality defects, losses, and customer complaints.
• Support product development and field trials by providing quality data and technical recommendations.
• Manage and mentor QA/QC personnel and laboratory staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Seed Science, Biology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree in Seed Science, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, or a related discipline is an advantage.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in quality assurance/control, preferably in the rice seed, agricultural, seed production, or agribusiness industry.
• Experience in seed testing, seed processing, seed certification, or seed production is highly preferred.
• Previous supervisory or managerial experience is required.
• Experience with quality management systems, internal audits, and corrective/preventive action processes is an advantage.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of rice seed quality standards and seed production processes.
• Knowledge of seed testing parameters such as:
• Germination rate
• Physical purity
• Moisture content
• Varietal/genetic purity
• Seed vigor
• Seed health
• Familiarity with seed sampling procedures and laboratory testing methods.
• Knowledge of seed certification and applicable agricultural/seed regulations.
• Understanding of GMP, HACCP, ISO 9001, or other quality management systems is an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for quality data analysis and reporting.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and analytical skills.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Decisive and capable of handling quality-related issues under pressure.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Strong integrity and objectivity in quality assessment.
• Willing to conduct field visits, farm inspections, warehouse inspections, and production-site audits.
• Results-oriented and committed to continuous improvement.