Job Summary
We are seeking a highly capable and forward-thinking Manager, Quality Assurance &Technical Strategy to lead quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and technical intelligence initiatives in Singapore.
This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining a quality assurance system within the Singapore office in accordance with local laws and regulations, ensuring the safety and compliance of our products. In addition, the role will continuously collect and analyse the latest trends in Singapore's food-tech sector and, in collaboration with Japan Headquarters and the ASEAN Regional Headquarters, contribute to the company's business expansion and the enhancement of the overall corporate value of the Ajinomoto Group.
This role integrates Quality Assurance, Regulatory Science, and Technical Strategy, and is positioned as a key contributor to both compliance and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Quality Assurance& Regulatory Compliance
- Establish and maintain a robust quality assurance system in compliance with Singapore food regulations (e.g. food safety, labelling, quality standards).
- Oversee QA operations for products distributed in Singapore, including vendor selection, audits, and quality control processes.
- Manage and continuously improve quality documentation, SOPs, and records
- Act as the main liaison with regulatory authorities, customers, and suppliers on quality-related matters.
- Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions(CAPA)
- Collaborate with internal and Group stakeholders to achieve quality targets aligned with business objectives.
2. Food-Tech Intelligence & Technical Strategy
- Monitor and analyse emerging trends, technologies, and developments in Singapore's food-tech ecosystem.
- Conduct technical and market analysis and prepare reports for management and HQ.
- Identify opportunities for new business development and support commercialisation planning.
- Facilitate technical collaboration and synergy with Japan HQ and ASEAN Regional Headquarters.
- Support partnerships with local companies, research institutions, and external stakeholders.
- Collect information for the creation of new businesses for Singapore office and the wider Group, and formulate plans for commercialisation
3. Cross-Functional& Regional Collaboration
- Work closely with internal departments and Group companies to align quality and strategic objectives.
- Support cross-border projects involving technical evaluation, regulatory alignment, and product development.
- Contribute to strengthening the Ajinomoto Group's brand value through quality excellence and innovation.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree or above in a relevant discipline (e.g. Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical/Food Engineering, Regulatory Science or equivalent).
- Minimum 8 years of relevant working experience in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, or related functions, preferably within the food or agriculture-related industries with exposure to food safety, compliance, or ingredient applications.
- Experience in food industry, regulatory compliance, or technical collaboration is highly preferred.
- Exposure to regional or global stakeholder management will be an advantage.
Language Requirement
JLPT N1 certification is strictly required
- Strong proficiency in both written and spoken Japanese and English.
- Ability to handle technical documentation, regulatory discussions, and business communication in Japanese.
Core Competencies
- Strong planning and prioritisation skills aligned with organisational goals
- Persuasive communication and stakeholder management capability
- High level of digital and technical adaptability (tech-savvy)
- Sound decision-making ability and strong analytical thinking
Functional Skills
- Knowledge of food regulations and quality standards.
- Experience in QA systems, audits, and compliance management.
- Ability to conduct market and technical intelligence analysis.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with the ability to bridge technical and business perspectives.
- Independent and proactive in a lean organisational structure.
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills.
- High integrity and commitment to quality and compliance.
