Assistant Manager - Field Quality Assurance

Assistant Manager- Field Quality Position: Assistant Manager - Field Quality Company: Mahindra Agri Solutions Division: Seeds Department: Quality Location: Various production locations (Travel not required) Job Summary: As an Assistant Manager - Field Quality at Mahindra Agri Solutions, you will play a vital role in safeguarding the genetic purity and quality of field crops and vegetable seeds across multiple production sites. You will oversee stringent quality standards through comprehensive end-to-end monitoring spanning crop growth, harvesting, and post-harvest processing stages. This is a pivotal position ensuring compliance with established quality protocols through prompt identification of deviations, accurate record keeping, and timely reporting, all contributing significantly to maintaining the excellence and integrity of our seed products. Key Responsibilities: Planning and Coordination: Receive and verify sowing schedules from Research, PSP, and Production teams to prepare detailed field inspection plans. Coordinate closely with production personnel for ongoing crop supervision, deploying Quality Assurance (QA) staff as needed to monitor each production location to ensure compliance with genetic purity standards. Field Inspection and Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough and 100% field inspections covering Breeder Seeds (BS), Pre-Foundation Seeds (PS), Certified Seeds (CS), and new seed varieties. Proactively flag any inconsistencies or deviations from quality parameters to relevant supervisors and area managers for swift corrective action. Data Management and Reporting: Maintain meticulous records both digitally via SAP and manually, encompassing inspection outcomes and production data. Compile comprehensive reports including area-wise summaries, deviation analyses, and correlation between Field Inspection (FI) results and Growing-on Tests (GOT). Provide timely quality updates and insight reports to management, assisting in preparing annual quality assessments, trend analyses, and developing corrective action plans. Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Identify and implement opportunities to enhance genetic seed quality, operational efficiency, and data accuracy. Support team development through well-structured target setting, performance feedback, and coaching. Research and integrate best practices from industry leaders in Field Quality Management, and evaluate field staff performance on seed production skills. Collaboration Across Teams: Work effectively with Research, PSP, Production, and Quality Control divisions to address quality concerns, recommend improvements, and support innovation in seed development and value addition initiatives. Problem Resolution: Undertake investigation of any quality-related incidents or discrepancies in field and genetic quality standards. Suggest and implement corrective measures to minimize recurrence and uphold seed integrity. Training and Development: Lead training sessions to enhance quality awareness and safety protocols among team members and field staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning. Standardisation and Compliance: Review and update inspection procedures and manuals in alignment with ISO standards to streamline operations and reduce costs. Organise joint inspections with stakeholders, particularly in cases involving new or non-conforming products, and produce detailed reports accordingly. Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple quality assurance activities in agricultural seed production environments. Experience in field inspection, quality control processes, and proficiency with digital data management tools such as SAP QA modules is highly desirable. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills will enable effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Commitment to continuous improvement, problem-solving aptitude, and leadership capabilities to mentor and guide staff are essential traits for success in this role. Why Join Mahindra Agri Solutions: At Mahindra Agri Solutions, we are dedicated to driving agricultural innovation and delivering high-quality seed products that bolster food security and sustainable farming practices. As part of our team, you will engage in impactful work that supports farmers and agribusinesses, while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive workplace that fosters professional growth and values diversity. Experience Level Mid Level