Eng. Hajer Khalfaoui
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Strong Leader, Senior Chemical Engineer and Manager with 14+ years of progressive leadership experience in quality management, regulatory compliance, certification services, conformity Assessment and trade facilitation within multinational environments. Proven capability in leading teams, driving strategic initiatives, ensuring ISO compliance, managing audits, improving operational performance, and supporting organizational growth. Strong stakeholder engagement skills with regulators, clients, and executive leadership.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Section Head – Trade Facilitation Services
SGS Verification and Conformity Company, KSA
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2023.03 - 2026.02
- Led audit strategies and QMS implementations across inspection services for food, cosmetics, and chemical goods.
- Ensured compliance with ISO 17020, ISO 17065, and SFDA product conformity requirements.
- Oversaw performance audits, root cause investigations, and regulatory documentation.
- Supervised 3 teams and directed team leads in daily operations, leave approvals, and resource management.
- Conducted internal audits and participated in external audits per ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17020, and IFIA.
- Collaborated with authorities (ESMA, SFDA) on inspection protocols and standard updates.
- Lead section operations, strategy, and performance aligned with corporate objectives.
Develop and implement annual strategic and operational plans. - Ensure full compliance with ISO/IEC 17065 & ISO/IEC 17020, maintaining accreditation and audit readiness.
Manage and mentor Team Supervisors, including performance evaluation and corrective actions. - Oversee production performance, service delivery, and financial collections.
Conduct and supervise internal and external audits (ISO 9001, 17065, 17020, IFIA). - Manage resource planning, recruitment recommendations, and succession coverage.
Act as escalation point for integrity, risk, compliance, and policy matters. - Promote strong HSE and Operational Integrity culture across the section.
Team Leader – GIS Division (Food & Consumer Goods)
SGS Gulf Ltd, Dubai, UAE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2020.03 - 2023.03
- Conducted conformity assessments of food, cosmetics, chemicals, and packaging.
- Reviewed food labels and documentation for compliance with SFDA and GSO standards.
- Issued Certificates of Conformity using SGS TradeWorks and performed technical product evaluations.
- Provided classification opinions and technical support to resolve standard disputes.
- Managed internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO and IFIA requirements.
- Led certification teams to ensure timely and compliant issuance of Certificates of Conformity.
Provided expert technical judgment on product classification, standards, and risk assessment.
Supported management in audit preparation and compliance assurance.
Resolved high-risk and disputed certification cases.
Contributed to continuous improvement of certification processes and quality outcomes.
Head of Quality & Regulatory Affairs
ZIVA Wet Wipes FZCO, Dubai, UAE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2018.12 - 2019.05
- Led internal and supplier audits to ensure compliance with EU GMP, SFDA, and ISO standards.
- Built QA systems and oversaw quality teams in product testing, document control, and CAPA execution.
- Developed audit schedules, trained staff, and liaised with regulatory authorities.
- Directed Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs strategy.
- Established audit programs and compliance framework aligned with EU GMP.
- Led QA teams, training, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Strengthened supplier and subcontractor compliance oversight.
Conformity Engineer – Food & Chemical Dept.
RACS Quality Certification, Dubai, UAE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2015.11 - 2018.11
- Audited and certified food, cosmetic, chemical, and tobacco products for SFDA, EQM, and Halal.
- Reviewed test reports, labels, and documents per ISO 17025 and Gulf Standards (GSO).
- Conducted 15+ third-party audits as Lead Auditor/Technical Expert, including:
- McDonald’s (Food Halal Audit – GSO 2055-1)
- Ajmal Perfumes, Rasasi (Cosmetics Halal/EQM Audit – ISO 22716, GSO 2055-4)
- IFFCO, Unipex, Emirates Refining (Food EQM & Halal Audits)
- Managed product certification workflows and supported ESMA customer registration.
- Led conformity assessments for food, cosmetics, chemicals, tobacco, and consumer products.
Performed Halal, EQM, Organic, and GMP audits as Lead Auditor / Technical Expert. - Advised clients on regulatory compliance and corrective actions.
Senior Chemical Laboratory Technician
National Pharmaceutical Industry
Tunis, Tunisia
2011.01 - 2014.03
- Conducted analytical testing of raw materials, semi-finished, and final pharma products.
- Operated HPLC, GC-MS, UV-Vis, IR, and atomic absorption spectroscopy per EU Pharmacopeia.
- Ensured calibration, documentation, and SOP compliance in GMP-certified lab environment.
- Ensured compliance with European Pharmacopeia standards.
- Supported method validation, reporting, and laboratory quality systems.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Chemical Engineering (Analytical Chemistry)
Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Zaghouan
Zaghouan, Tunisia 2007.01 - 2010.01
Skills
- Food Safety Systems (ISO 22000, GSO, SASO, HACCP)
- SFDA, SASO & GSO Regulatory Compliance
- Internal & External Auditing (150 audits since 2014)
- ISO 17065, ISO 17020, ISO 9001 Implementation
- Root Cause Analysis & CAPA
- Halal, SQM & EQM Certification Programs
- KPI Reporting & Quality Dashboards
- Cross-Functional Team Training
- Hygiene & Environmental Standards Compliance
- MENA & International Regulatory Affairs
- SGS TradeWorks, Crystal, ESMA Portal
- Laboratory Instruments: HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Certification
- Food Lead Auditor – Approved by SASO (Saudi Arabia)
- Lead Auditor – ISO 22000:2018 (Food Safety)
- Lead Auditor – Halal GSO 2055-1
- Internal Auditor – ISO 22716 (GMP Cosmetics)
- Awareness – ISO/IEC 17065, ISO 17020, ISO 9001
- Product Safety Standards: SFDA, SASO, ESMA, GSO
- Cosmetics, Detergents, Tobacco, Packaging, FCM – Technical Regulation Trainings
Languages
Arabic
Native
English
Fluent
French
Fluent
Selected Audit Portfolio (2014–2024)
- Total Audits Conducted: 250+
- Scopes Covered: Food (Halal, EQM, ISO 22000), Cosmetics (ISO 22716, GSO 2055-4), Pharmaceuticals (GMP), Consumer Goods (Paints, Detergents, Tobacco, FCM)
- Authorities & Standards: SFDA, SASO, GSO, ESMA, ISO 17020, ISO 17065, ISO 9001
- Key Clients Audited: McDonald’s, Ajmal, Rasasi, IFFCO, Seville Chocolate, Al Dahra, Emirates Refining, Unipex
Timeline
Section Head – Trade Facilitation Services
SGS Verification and Conformity Company, KSA
2023.03 - 2026.02
Team Leader – GIS Division (Food & Consumer Goods)
SGS Gulf Ltd, Dubai, UAE
2020.03 - 2023.03
Head of Quality & Regulatory Affairs
ZIVA Wet Wipes FZCO, Dubai, UAE
2018.12 - 2019.05
Conformity Engineer – Food & Chemical Dept.
RACS Quality Certification, Dubai, UAE
2015.11 - 2018.11
Senior Chemical Laboratory Technician
National Pharmaceutical Industry
2011.01 - 2014.03
Bachelor’s Degree - Chemical Engineering (Analytical Chemistry)
Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Zaghouan
2007.01 - 2010.01