Quality & R&D Manager

International B2B provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and gelato markets with 22 manufacturing facilities all over the world.

Description of Main Activities/Responsibilities:

• Monitor business processes to verify protocol application and compliance with predefined procedures;
• Perform Gap analysis versus Group Quality and Food Safety standards and close gaps where applicable;
• Plan and conduct quality control activities and internal inspections;
• Lead external quality audits from external certification bodies or external customer audits, follow up the execution of needed corrective actions afterwards;
• Assure keeping current certifications while continuous improving the standards;
• Analyze all customer complaints and be sure a fast and professional answer is given to customer while also implementing the needed corrective actions;
• Coordinate and supervise the analysis of raw materials and products;
• Analyze and process customer satisfaction and customer quality data;
• Evaluate external suppliers in coordination with central supplier quality and make sure that they comply with technical quality requirements;
• Prepare reports and calculate KPIs related to the function towards continuous improvement;
• Train staff on: quality, hygiene, food safety, food security, sensory, R&D processes, etc;
• Develop new products based on customer needs, get products set-up in the systems;
• Oversee tests and trials and assess how effective processes and products are;
• Collaboration with other departments (Operations, Procurement, Sales,…).

Requirements:

• Education: preferably Master Degree in Food Science/Engineering or other disciplines or equivalent experience;
• Professional Skills: Knowledge of food technology and food safety standards, in particular BRC, IFS or similar quality standards; knowledge of current food industry legislation; ability to use the main analysis tools in the food analysis laboratory; knowledge of production processes in an industrial context; People Management;
• Experience: 7+ years in Quality’ roles and at least 2/3 years in the specific role;
• Language Skills: Proficient in Italian and English;
• Computer Skills: MS office, PLM and ERP system (a plus);
• Behavioral Requirements: Organizational Skills, Leadership Abilities, Proactiveness, Effective Communication, Ability to meet Commitments and Deadline, Attention to details, Problem Solving.