Operations QA Manager

About the role:

As Operations Quality Assurance Manager you are responsible for ensuring that all production shifts operate in full compliance with Barry Callebaut quality and food safety standards. You play a highly operational role with strong presence on the shop floor, acting as the quality conscience of the factory and a key partner for production, packing and warehouse teams. You will drive consistent execution of quality management systems, support daily problem‑solving, and foster a strong quality culture across operations.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure implementation and maintenance of quality and food safety systems across production, packing and warehouse operations.

• Proactively identify, assess, and control risks, rigorously follow safety and environmental standards, and take immediate action to protect people, assets, and the environment in everything you do.

• Spend a significant portion of time on the shop floor, performing routine quality checks and following standardized daily routines.

• Oversee compliance with GMP, GWP, HACCP, CCPs, oPRPs, sanitation procedures and pest control programs.

• Conduct daily shift and area checks on production processes, finished products and hygiene standards.

• Provide real‑time quality support to production, packing and warehouse teams.

• Guide teams on non‑conformances, corrective actions and handling of blocked or non‑conforming products.

• Support root cause analysis (RCA) and CAPAs related to deviations, complaints, near misses and incidents.

• Analyze quality data and prepare shift‑based reports to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

• Deliver on‑the‑job training for operational teams on quality procedures, GMP, GWP and food safety requirements.

• Actively promote a strong quality and food safety culture on the shop floor.

• Support internal and external audits and ensure sustainability of corrective actions.

• Act as operational bridge during new product introductions and product transfers.

About you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or Food Science, or Engineering degree with 5+ years of experience in food quality.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in food safety roles, including formal HACCP training.

• Formal training in GFSI standards, preferably FSSC 22000 or BRC.

• Solid knowledge of HACCP, GMP, Pathogen Environmental Monitoring and facility/equipment design.

• Experience in food manufacturing environments.

• Strong analytical, communication and leadership skills.

• Able to work independently, handle pressure and manage multiple operational priorities.

• Servant‑leader mindset with strong operational focus.

• Rigorous and demanding when it comes to standards and quality culture.

• Proactive, flexible and solution‑oriented.

• Strong team player with the ability to influence across functions.

We offer:

• 38 days of annual leave.

• Flexible working hours.

• Meal allowance: €10 per worked day.

• Eco‑cheques: €250 per year.

• Transport allowance.

• Bicycle allowance: €0.37/km.

• Group insurance (pension & risk coverage).

• Health insurance for you and your family.

• Dental care for you (family coverage available with additional payment).

• A key operational quality leadership role at one of Barry Callebaut’s strategic production sites.

• An international environment with strong operational ownership and collaboration.

• Real impact on daily production, food safety and quality performance.