About the position
The QA Manager for Maison Marou Vietnam is responsible for leading and managing the Quality Assurance function to ensure that all products offered across our retail stores, chocolate and pastry kitchens, and beverage operations meet internal standards and external regulations for safety, quality, and consistency. This role plays a key part in establishing a culture of quality, developing quality systems, and driving continuous improvement across our store network and production facilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Quality Management System Development
- Develop, implement, and maintain the QA systems in line with relevant standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, Vegan, Halal, US FDA, and EU requirements).
- Customize QA documentation and SOPs for store-level and kitchen-level operations, including hygiene, food safety, and beverage standards.
- Ensure compliance with applicable food safety and quality standards across all store formats.
Product Quality Control
- Oversee quality control of raw materials, in-process, and finished goods at kitchens and stores.
- Establish and manage product specifications, CoAs, and quality letters for all retail food and beverage offerings.
- Manage product registrations and regulatory compliance for both packaged and in-store prepared products.
- Plan and organize product testing (shelf life, microbiological, sensory, etc.) specific to Maison Marou product lines.
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
- Prepare and maintain Self-Declaration profiles for all new and existing products, including detailed technical and safety information required for regulatory purposes.
- Ensure all products meet local and international regulatory requirements for labeling, packaging, product safety, and market-specific declarations (e.g., Vietnam's food laws, US FDA, EU food safety regulations).
- Maintain and organize technical documentation and registration files, such as:
- Product Specifications (Spec)
- Certificates of Analysis (CoA)
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Legal claims declarations (e.g., vegan, halal, organic)
- Collaborate with R&D, Legal, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate and timely documentation for new product launches and ongoing compliance.
- Act as the point of contact for external authorities during inspections, audits, or registration processes.
Quality Assurance Operations
- Monitor kitchen and store production processes to proactively identify areas of improvement or deviation.
- Investigate and resolve product non-conformities, customer complaints, and internal quality issues.
- Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Internal Audits & External Compliance
- Plan and conduct internal quality audits to ensure compliance with standards and procedures across stores and central kitchens.
- Coordinate and support external inspections and audits (regulatory bodies, certification bodies, etc.).
- Collaborate with third-party labs, pest control providers, and equipment vendors to ensure compliance and safety.
Training & Communication
- Lead QA-related training and awareness programs for store staff, kitchen teams, and managers.
- Communicate quality standards, procedures, and updates to relevant stakeholders at all levels.
- Prepare and report on QA metrics and performance to the Operations and Senior Management teams.
Continuous Improvement & Leadership
- Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across Maison Marou's stores and production sites.
- Actively participate in cross-functional projects and process improvement initiatives.
- Keep up to date with regulatory changes, food industry trends, and emerging quality standards.
IDEAL CANDIDATE TRAIT
Mindset & Approach
- Detail-Oriented & Analytical Able to manage high standards of quality and analyze root causes of issues.
- Hands-On & Proactive Takes initiative and stays involved in day-to-day operations.
- Process-Driven Establishes structure and consistency in quality practices across locations.
- Collaborative: Works cross-functionally with operations, kitchen, and store teams.
Technical Skills
- In-depth knowledge of QA systems and standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, FDA, EU regulations).
- Strong understanding of food safety regulations and processes in multi-site F&B operations.
- Familiarity with lab testing and product validation protocols.
General Skills
- Excellent communication and reporting skills.
- Strong leadership and people management capability.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
- Proficient in using QA tools and systems (Excel, documentation systems, etc.).
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Quality Management, or a related field.
- Certified in QA/food safety systems (HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, etc.) is preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in QA roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
- Experience in F&B retail chains, food production, or central kitchen operations is highly preferred.
