Director Quality Assurance, Cluster Europe

About the Role

Reporting to the VP, Europe Quality, Food Safety and Regulatory this role is instrumental in leading the implementation of Quality Management Systems across multiple production sites in Europe. We are currently looking for a dynamic change agent and visible leader to drive a high culture of quality who is well versed in Food Safety and Quality Systems. He/She will ensure that our products, facilities, processes and systems meet the required Company and legislative quality standards. The role is tasked with developing and delivering the Quality and Food Safety roadmap for the respective sites to comply with BC Quality expectations, regional Regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Working with the leadership team, he/she will ensure a robust pipeline of talent to develop and place assignments across the region. Finally, the role is also responsible for building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and customers in the region and globally.

Key Responsibilities include

Change agent to drive a strong culture of quality at the corporate and plant level through partnerships with key stakeholder groups including Manufacturing, Supply chain, Sales, R&D and Marketing. Develop & maintain strong working relationships with Barry Callebaut Europe senior leadership.

Create an environment to continuously develop people across the organization by upgrading competencies and skills. Coach Quality & cross functional employees.

In conjunction with VP, Europe Quality, advance the quality strategy. Provide functional oversight of our internal Barry Callebaut manufacturing facilities located in Europe cluster.

Provide support and guidance to ensure implementation, development, and consistency of best practices. Ensure facilities are in compliance with company, customer and regulatory standards and are prepared for internal and external audits. Ensure the implementation of corrective actions associated with gaps is completed and effectiveness verified.

Lead product quality & food safety risk assessment activities to identify areas of improvement across the supply chain and proactively develop plans to mitigate risks.

Continually improve performance against key quality metrics such as FTQ, customer complaints, quality related costs including blocked stocks, audit outcomes by proactively leading initiatives.

Lead and coordinate food safety or quality incidents with internal stakeholders and customers.

Continuously improve quality related knowledge, skills and understanding by conducting training programs and disseminating information covering standards, procedures and policies to assure employees are equipped to meet required standards.

Act as key contact and coordinator for quality & food safety incidents management in the corresponding cluster sites. Lead the follow-up of major quality & food safety incidents at these sites. Ensure proper communication towards Regional Quality VP, ensure incidents learnings are shared and preventive/corrective actions taken as appropriate

Manage the QA budget for the cluster. Ensure that the food safety Capex plans are executed in a timely manner.

About You

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Food Science

Knowledge of Quality systems and policies, HACCP, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) food safety standards

Experience leading and working with cross-functional teams

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to drive projects to completion

At least 15 years of experience in Quality and Food Safety

At least, 5 years of demonstrable leadership experience

Knowledge of Quality systems and policies, HACCP, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) food safety standards

Practical experience in Food and /or Beverage, preferably cocoa or chocolate