The technically deep and experienced leader will be responsible for the definition of the overall Quality and Food Safety system at Ferrara and oversee quality, regulatory and food safety along the entire value chain (from product design to commercialization, including third parties), ensuring safe, responsible, sustainable, compliant product excellence that delivers the highest consumer experiences. The leader will ensure a continuous improvement of Quality and Food Safety standards within Ferrara, leveraging internal and external expertise, relating with all key stakeholders to enhance commitment, identifying and sponsoring required investments. The Head of Quality, Regulatory & Food Safety will provide support to:
•Marketing and Sales development, with legal advice on claims, communications, presentation and advertising.
•R&D for the launch of new products and to constantly monitor and reduce risk levels on products, processes, and new developments.
This position reports to the Chief Manufacturing Officer.
The role is based in Chicago, Illinois and will require 25-30% travel to Ferrara facilities, supplier facilities, and customer sites.
Following are examples but not fully representative of the responsibilities and areas of impact.
Quality & Food Safety
•Actively contributes to the development of the Food Safety & Quality function in full alignment with Ferrara’s values & functions.
•Ensures the development of projects related to Quality and Food Safety improvements.
•Manages critical issues that have emerged in relation to Food Safety & Quality, interfacing with other business functions.
Food Law
•Explore the global/local food law framework, by checking and constantly verifying the best sources available (Trade Associations, Law Firms, Consultancies, Websites, Online services, etc.).
•Ensure compliance with local food legislation, also with the contribute of local legal colleagues and/or external consultants/law firms.
•Provide input to the Institutional Affairs & Corporate Communication Function concerning the food legislations.
Food Regulatory
•Build and maintains credible relationships with regulatory authorities, supported by the Institutional Affairs & Corporate Communication Function
•Define the regulatory strategy for product development (including ethical certifications and sanitary registrations, where needed) in alignment with business requirements.
•Provide regulatory intelligence and guidance in product development, taking into consideration new regulatory trends and product safety issues.
Budget Management
•Define and ensures the proper management of the Function budget in line with business objectives.
•Monitor costs against plans.
•Able to lead a geographically dispersed team
•Strong verbal and written communication skills at multiple levels: senior customer executives, senior leadership team of Ferrara, auditors, regulators
•Proven, pragmatic problem-solver in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
•Able to define and rapidly implement improvement projects with cross-functional teams
•Knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), specifically the ability to sponsor/lead the Quality Pillar
•Familiarity with starch molded confections and panning processes
•Familiarity with allergen programs (nut, wheat, dairy)
•BA/BS degree in a Life Science, Engineering, or Physical Science
•Advanced technical degree or MBA preferred
•Certifications: Six Sigma Black Belt, CQM, CQA, CQE preferred
•15+ years’ experience across R&D, Supply Chain, and Quality roles in food products companies
•3+ years leading a world-class Quality function