Quality Assurance Manager Turkey

About the role:

As Plant Quality Manager, you are responsible for leading and advancing the full Quality Assurance agenda at the Eskişehir site. You ensure that all products, processes and systems comply with Barry Callebaut standards, global food safety requirements and customer expectations.
You play a critical leadership role in embedding a strong “Safety, Food Safety First and Quality Always” culture, while continuously improving performance through structured processes, data analysis and team development.
 

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure full compliance with Quality Management System (QMS), GFSI standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and maintain the site food safety program, including food defense and risk assessments.
• Monitor and apply local and international regulations, including labeling and product compliance.
• Define and monitor sanitation standards and ensure consistent implementation across the plant.
• Oversee laboratory operations, product quality control and batch release processes. 
• Manage customer, certification and regulatory audits, inspections and visits.
• Ensure timely and effective closure of CAPAs from audits and operational deviations.
• Support resolution of customer complaints through structured root cause analysis.
• Act as the main connection between the plant and regional/customer quality teams.
• Build and maintain a quality performance framework using KPIs and scorecards.
• Analyze trends, customer feedback and quality data to drive improvement initiatives.
• Lead cross‑functional teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Promote a strong quality culture and ensure alignment across all functions. 
• Ensure quality standards and customer requirements are embedded in NPI and product transfers.
• Participate in risk assessments for new products, ingredients and processes.
• Work closely with R&D, operations and commercial teams to support innovation and compliance.
• Lead, develop and coach the QA team and strengthen capabilities across the site.
• Drive engagement, ownership and accountability within the quality function.
• Manage QA budget and support CAPEX planning related to food safety and quality improvements.

About you:

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or Engineering.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in food quality and food safety roles.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GFSI standards (FSSC 22000 / BRC) and food regulations.
• Experience in manufacturing environments with understanding of production and laboratory processes.
• Proven experience in people management and leadership roles.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to use data for decision‑making.
• Experience in audit management, compliance and regulatory topics.
• Fluent in English and Turkish