About This Role
Leading and managing the Laboratory Department and spearheading the setup, implementation, and certification of the Quality Management System (ISO) from the ground up is the core of this role. It suits a dynamic, result-oriented Quality Assurance (QA) Manager with a strong background in laboratory management, QA/QC processes within the palm oil / bio-industrial sector, and a proven track record in ISO certification and lab accreditation.
Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and oversee daily operations of the Laboratory Department
- Ensure sampling, testing, analysis, and reporting are executed accurately, safely, and within turnaround times
- Manage laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, chemical inventory, method validation, and proficiency testing
- Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) or abnormal results and implement immediate corrective actions
- Establish QA/QC procedures covering incoming raw materials (palm oil waste), processing, finished products, and dispatch
- Monitor critical quality parameters, product specifications, and customer requirements
- Investigate quality issues, customer complaints, and process deviations using root cause analysis (CAPA)
- Lead the company’s ISO certification project from initial gap assessment to successful certification
- Develop Quality Policy, SOPs, process maps, risk assessments, and maintain an effective Document Control system
- Plan and execute the Internal Audit program; manage external, certification, and customer audits
- Oversee change-control requirements across materials, processes, equipment, and test methods
- Evaluate and recommend suitable lab accreditation frameworks (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025)
- Establish quality KPIs, track quality trends, and drive continuous improvement projects across operations
- Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with statutory and regulatory standards
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Sciences, Quality Management, or a related discipline
- 5–8 years of experience in QA/QC & Laboratory Management, with at least 3–5 years in a managerial/leadership role
- Proven track record in leading ISO 9001 (or related QMS) implementation from scratch to successful certification
- Proficient in lab analytical techniques, method validation, measurement uncertainty, and root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)
- Strong leadership, high attention to detail, proactive risk management, and excellent problem-solving skills
Nice to have:
- Experience in palm oil, palm oil waste processing, oleochemicals, or related process industries
- Hands-on experience with ISO/IEC 17025
