Head of Quality & Process Operations

About the role

ÄIO is moving from pilot-scale operations to commercial manufacturing of its fermentation-derived fats and oils, and is looking for a Head of Quality & Process Operations in Tallinn. The role covers quality management and downstream processing across the ingredient portfolio, working with production, equipment and manufacturing partners, and with Product Innovation, R&D, process development, supply chain and commercial teams.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee product quality from incoming dried fermentation biomass through extraction, refinement, quality release and shipment, including inspection, sampling, quarantine, acceptance, non-conformance and batch release decisions.
• Coordinate pilot-scale oil extraction and refinement, set quality requirements for commercial scale, develop analytical methods and in-process controls, and keep operations audit-ready.
• Build a practical quality management system aligned with ISO 22716, including SOPs, document control, change control, CAPA, traceability and audit preparation.
• Develop, qualify and maintain analytical methods, coordinate internal testing and external labs, and monitor stability and quality trends.
• Act as the main quality contact for manufacturing partners and suppliers, supporting technical transfers, supplier qualification, quality agreements and audits, and coordinating specifications and batch investigations.

Required profile

• Pragmatic, technically confident quality leader who enjoys creating structure and taking ownership.
• Industrial experience in oils, fats, lipid ingredients, oleochemicals, food or cosmetic ingredients, biotechnology or a comparable regulated environment.
• Hands-on experience with oil extraction and refining or similar downstream processing.
• Experience developing, implementing or operating quality management systems.
• Experience with CMOs, external laboratories, equipment suppliers or outsourced manufacturing partners.
• Fluency in English; an MSc or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Required skills

• Controlled documentation, deviations, CAPA, change control, traceability, supplier quality and batch release.
• Preferred: ISO 22716, cosmetic GMP, HACCP, process validation, facility start-up and audit leadership.
• Preferred: developing analytical methods for oils and lipids (moisture, carotenoids, colour, oxidation, fatty-acid profiles, contaminants, stability).