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.