Food Safety Quality Manager

The Food Safety Quality Manager serves as the primary FSQ technical resource supporting manufacturing operations through the application of food science, microbiology, chemistry, risk assessment, statistical analysis, and preventive control principles.

This role is responsible for evaluating process performance, product quality, food safety risks, and regulatory compliance within the assigned manufacturing business unit. Provides scientific and technical leadership for deviations, process changes, non-conformities, consumer complaints, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The position partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Supply Chain and Technology to ensure robust Quality systems, effective preventive controls, and sustainable process capability. Through technical judgment and risk-based decision making, the Specialist helps protect consumers, brands, and business performance while strengthening manufacturing excellence.

IN PROCESS  MANAGEMENT
•    Provide leadership and oversight for FSQ management processes, ensuring appropriate evaluation, disposition practices, and risk mitigation strategies are consistently applied across the UGP
•    Ensure effective systems and resources are in place to verify material compliance with established specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal standards, while reviewing and approving significant quality-related decisions and escalations
•    Analyze quality trends and non-conformities to identify systemic risks and recommend preventive actions that strengthen supplier performance and reduce manufacturing risk.

KPIs
•    Micro Performance, EMP trends, micro investigations, RCA effectiveness
•    Audit Readiness Hygiene & GMP audit sections
•    Cost/Resources Optimization for production

FOOD SAFETY, QUALITY SYSTEMS & PROCESS ASSURANCE
•    Serve as the Food Safety and Quality subject matter lead for assigned UGP operations, ensuring compliance with Ferrero standards, regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and certification scheme requirements.
•    Evaluate manufacturing processes through application of Food Science, microbiology, chemistry, engineering principles, and statistical analysis to identify risks affecting product quality and food safety.
•    Verify effectiveness of Preventive Controls, HACCP plans, CCPs, oPRPs, allergen controls, sanitation programs, environmental monitoring programs, and prerequisite programs.

PRODUCT DISPOSITION, NON-CONFORMANCE MANAGEMENT & RISK ASSESSMENT
•    Provide technical leadership for evaluation, containment, investigation, and disposition of non-conforming raw materials, work-in-process materials, and finished goods.
•    Utilize scientific data, risk assessment methodologies, product specifications, regulatory requirements, and historical performance information to support disposition decisions.
•    Facilitate and lead Root Cause Analysis activities utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT, VALIDATION & TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION
•    Provide technical support for commissioning, qualification, validation, and verification of new equipment, manufacturing processes, ingredients, packaging systems, and production technologies.
•    Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Corporate Quality, and R&D teams to evaluate process capability and establish robust process controls.
•    Assess Food Safety and Quality risks associated with equipment modifications, automation initiatives, process changes, and capital projects.

Purchasing Support
•    Create purchase requisitions for Food Safety & Quality Department when needed
•    Complete GR for purchased items for Food Safety & Quality Department when needed

DATA ANALYTICS, COMPLIANCE & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
•    Analyze quality and food safety data to identify trends, recurring issues, emerging risks, and continuous improvement opportunities.
•    Develop reports, dashboards, and technical summaries that support sound business and operational decisions.

TASTING AND SENSORIAL ANALYSIS
•    Guarantees approved tasting activities along the production line, for product under competence (taster’s list, reporting, training)

-    Understanding of HACCP, Preventive Controls, Food Safety Plans, oPRPs, CCPs, allergen management, environmental monitoring, sanitation controls, and regulatory requirements.  PCQI trained preferred. 

-    Ability to assess food safety hazards and determine the significance of quality and food safety risks using scientific principles and data-based decision making.

-    Quality Control Analysis - conducting tests and inspections of products, materials, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

-    Knowledge of food microbiology, chemistry, ingredient functionality, packaging systems, and manufacturing processes. 

-    Understanding of process capability, process variability, validation methodologies, and product quality attributes.

-    Proficiency in trend analysis, statistical process control, sampling plans, capability analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results. Ability to analyze complex datasets and identify emerging risks, process trends, and opportunities for improvement.

-    Knowledge of GFSI, GMPs, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), internal quality standards, auditing principles, and corrective/preventive action systems.

-    Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives through technical expertise and effective communication.

-    Computer software skills to include SAP, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

-    Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and deadlines

-    Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others

-    Strong communication skills in a multi-cultural environment

-    1-3 years of experience 

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.