Quality Assurance and Quality Control Lead (H/F) – Lyon, France
18 hours ago
Lyon
About us Verley is a biotechnology company based in Lyon, focused on developing dairy proteins through precision fermentation. Our aim is to offer sustainable, high-quality alternatives to traditional animal-based ingredients, contributing to the evolution of food production methods. We bring together a team of scientists and engineers with complementary expertise, working to turn promising technologies into concrete applications for the food industry. Position overview Verley is entering a key phase in its growth: the industrial deployment of its proprietary biotechnological processes. After validating our approach at laboratory and pilot scale, we are now moving toward full-scale manufacturing through a network of external production partners (CMOs). The Quality Assurance and Quality control Lead will play a central role in ensuring product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance across the full value chain, including raw materials, processing aids, finished products, and outsourced manufacturing activities. In this context, the role is critical to implement robust quality systems, support industrial scale-up, and ensure consistent execution across internal teams and external partners. The position reports to the COO (Chief Operating Officer) and has a doted reporting line to the Head of Scientific and Regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities Quality System & Compliance • Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS)., • Ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements (EU and relevant international standards)., • Establish, review, and maintain SOPs, specifications, and quality documentation. Product Quality & Release • Perform and oversee incoming, in-process, and final product quality checks., • Review batch records, CoAs, and supporting documentation., • Ensure compliant batch release decisions based on complete and accurate data., • Maintain full traceability across raw materials and finished products. Deviations, CAPA & Continuous Improvement • Investigate deviations, complaints, and non-conformities., • Lead and track CAPA implementation., • Drive continuous improvement of quality processes and systems. Audits & Inspections • Conduct internal audits at CMOs., • Support external audits (customers, certification bodies, regulatory authorities)., • Ensure audit readiness across internal activities and CMOs. Food Safety • Monitor and enforce food safety programs (HACCP, GMP, sanitation, pest control, allergen management)., • Ensure proper implementation across internal operations and external partners. Supplier & CMO Quality • Act as QA point of contact for suppliers and CMOs., • Support supplier qualification, monitoring, and performance evaluation., • Contribute to quality agreements, change control, and deviation management with CMOs., • Ensure alignment and consistency of quality standards across outsourced manufacturing. Training & Quality Culture • Train internal stakeholders on QA/QC and food safety requirements., • Promote a strong quality culture across teams and partners. Must-have requirements • Minimum 5 years of experience in QA/QC within the food industry, preferably in food manufacturing, ingredient production, or related operations., • Strong hands-on experience with QA/QC systems: HACCP, GMP, MOC, NCR, CAPA, supplier qualification, CoA process, internal audits., • Solid experience with batch records, specifications, incoming goods control, in-process checks, and product release., • Good knowledge of EU food regulations and familiarity with US FDA cGMP. Experience with Novel Foods is a plus., • Fluent in English (written and spoken) to manage documentation, audits, and international coordination., • Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills in an international environment., • Hands-on, structured, detail-oriented, and execution-driven., • Willingness to travel, including overnight stays. Nice-to-have requirements • Experience working with CMOs/CDMOs, including outsourced manufacturing oversight, quality agreements, deviation handling, and change control., • Experience with third-party audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections., • Familiarity with ISO 22000, BRC, FSSC/GFSI-type systems or equivalent food safety standards., • Experience in fermentation, biotech, or Novel Foods environments., • Relevant QA certifications. What we offer • An innovative environment, where scientific excellence and curiosity drive cutting-edge developments in food science., • An entrepreneurial culture, where each team member can make a real difference and directly contribute to the company’s growth., • An international and collaborative environment, working with a diverse team of experts across countries, bringing unique perspectives to tackle complex challenges., • A company undergoing industrial scale-up and transformation - this role will be an active driver of change., • A shared commitment, where we all share in Verley’s success and growth through our employee stock option plan (BSPCE). At Verley, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity and are proud to welcome applicants of all backgrounds in our mission to revolutionize the future of food and biotechnology.