Quality Manager

Our Client is one of the largest fresh food companies in Belgium, with major retailers as its main customers. They supply the complete assortment all year round and support retailers with new products.

They are now looking for a Quality Manager to replace their current manager during absence.

Function description

In the role of QA/QC Manager you will report to the Managing Director for Belgium and the Group Quality Director.

Result areas for this role are:

1. Create, implement and sustain the Quality Strategy and stay aligned with the overall company strategy and direction.

  • Promote the quality and sustainability spirit within the organization.
  • Monitor and periodically report quality and sustainability indicators and proactively formulate appropriate measures
  • Organize periodic consultation / regular contact on quality and sustainability issues with the managers of the various stakeholders
  • Responsible for preparation and execution of external audits (by the certification agency, clients, suppliers, etc.) and the resulting actions.
  • Responsible for the food safety policy, chairing and managing the HACCP team, membership and performance of tasks within the recall team, incl. internal and external spokesperson
  • Continuous monitoring of legislation, regulations and permits regarding quality and sustainability (incl. environment) and translating these into his policy.

2. Efficient organization of the Quality department

  • Detecting and disseminating best practices in the Quality departments of the OPCOs.
  • Ensuring the efficient use of personnel and resources, striving for optimal quality and productivity.
  • Reporting on the performance of the Quality department to the MD of the concerned OPCO.
  • To correctly negotiate and conclude efficient contracts within his competence, and evaluate their correct execution.
  • To periodically monitor the budget and the achievement of the various objectives.

3. Ensuring smooth, constructive and service-oriented cooperation with all stakeholders, including customers, other departments, other group companies....

  • Developing service-oriented policies in alignment with general policies.
  • Ensuring the handling of quality questions/issues from customers, suppliers and own employees.
  • Providing proactive advice, support, feedback, reporting, to the various departments.
  • Representing the company as Sustainability Ambassador at group level.
Job requirements
  • Master Bio-Engineering or equal by experience
  • Minimum 10 years of experience leading a Quality department in an industrial environment, preferably in the food sector.
  • Experience in working with fresh produce is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP guidelines
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to be hands-on 
  • Excellent people management skills to motivate, coach, support the team of +/- 10 people.
  • Strong communicator
  • Customer-oriented and driven
  • Excellent knowledge of English and Dutch (oral & written). Knowledge of French is considered a plus.
     
Offer

A 6 - 12 months Interim Management assignment during the absence of the existing Quality Manager. Part-time is possible (Min. 60%).

Organizational and departmental definition

In this role you will report to the Managing Director for Belgium and the Group Quality Director.

Questions?

Patrick Michielsen Partner