Who We Are  

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose:

We are seeking a highly motivated, dynamic and passionate External Quality and Quality Systems Manager to join our Great Place to Work. The position is responsible for managing all aspects of the Quality Management System (QMS) for Lindt USA, encompassing ISO 9001 system, Global Food Safety Initiative (FSSC 22000), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and regulatory agencies visits. Additionally, this position is responsible for managing supplier, Copackers and Lindt stores Food Safety Audits, and for driving continuous improvement though the Lindt Performance Way (LPW).

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Quality Management Systems

• Review, improve and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) at Lindt USA, ensuring successful surveillance and re-certification audits in our facility, partnering with all stakeholders to assure compliance with ISO QMS, FSSC 22000, FSMA, and other required standards.
• Lead the efforts for future certifications needed for the business, such as Rain Forest Alliance.
• Drive company-wide ISO QMS, FSSC 22000, and FSMA awareness for all employees, assuring the internal awareness for customer requirements.
• Member of the ISO 9001 MSRT (Management System Review Team) and responsible for the yearly review as well as the communication of non-conformities to the Sr. Management team.
• Perform and coordinate internal audits, conducting regular reviews and assuring internal auditors are regularly trained compliant with ISO Standards.

Training

• Manage the Alchemy system for the Food Safety & Quality Systems training programs, ensuring the consistent and successful training of department training coordinators.
• Develop and implement the quality and food safety training program content within the Alchemy training system.
• Ensure the development and execution for all quality, food safety, and food safety culture training curriculums for the application across all departments.

Quality Improvement Projects

• Manage the trending, archiving and reporting of all Quality performance and corrective action data.
• Drive continuous improvement through sharing Quality KPI trend and reports to all stakeholders.
• Lead and support continuous improvement participating in the Lindt Performance Way initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, AIB, FSSC, regulatory agencies and other food safety and quality standards.
• Manage Supplier Approval Program, Copackers and Lindt Retail Stores Audits initiatives, and perform audits in the absence of the Supply Chain Quality Specialist.
• Support additional projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Experience

• 5+ years job specific experience required
• 3+ years of leadership experience preferred
• Demonstrated success leading and managing cross-functional teams
• Prior supervisory experience required
• Experience in training and working with different employee levels throughout an organization.

Skills & Knowledge

• Proven knowledge of food quality/safety standards & regulatory requirements such as Preventive Controls, Food Safety Modernization, Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points, Global Food Safety Initiative, ISO Standards
• Working knowledge with a Global Food Safety Initiative standards, preferably FSSC 22000
• Excellent organizational, analytical & time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communications skills
• Able to manage multiple projects and multiple priorities concluded on time and on budget
• Must be result driven, detail oriented, self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Proficient working knowledge of MS Office applications as well as access databases

Education

• Bachelors degree or related work experience required; Masters degree preferred
• Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI) and HACCP Certified (HACCP Alliance) required
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training preferred

Other requirements

• Flexibility on work hours and able to work on holidays, and travel up to 15%