Job Description

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.