Food Safety and Quality Manager (m/f/d)

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products.

We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint.

„The future is circular“

Key responsibilities:

• Food Safety & Quality Ownership – Drive food safety and quality performance across assigned Service Centers by monitoring key processes, analyzing KPIs, identifying gaps, and partnering with Operations to implement sustainable improvements.
• Stakeholder Collaboration – Work closely with customer QA teams, internal stakeholders, and external partners to investigate and resolve food safety and quality issues, ensuring strong root cause analysis and effective corrective actions.
• Training & Capability Building – Deliver engaging training, coaching, and mentoring to Service Center teams to strengthen knowledge in food safety, quality, and sanitation practices, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Process Optimization & Validation – Support Operations in product and process enhancements through structured validation, monitoring, and verification to ensure consistent and compliant execution.
• Quality & Compliance Management – Maintain and continuously improve quality standards and certifications, ensuring audit readiness and adherence to relevant policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Continuous Improvement & Reporting – Implement best practices, develop meaningful metrics, and provide clear reporting to drive transparency, performance tracking, and ongoing quality improvements.
• Audits & Governance – Conduct audits and inspections, ensure compliance with internal standards, and lead the implementation and follow-up of corrective actions in collaboration with operational teams.
• Quality Culture & Best Practices – Promote quality awareness across all levels, share and institutionalize best practices, and act as a trusted quality liaison to ensure consistent standards across Service Centers.

We expect:

• Educational Background – Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field, providing a solid foundation in food safety and quality principles.
• Professional Experience – Proven experience in food safety, quality, or a related discipline within a manufacturing or operational environment, with a strong practical understanding of industry standards.
• Technical Expertise – Sound knowledge of microbiology and food science, combined with a good grasp of process methodologies and quality systems.
• Organizational Skills – Strong ability to structure work, maintain oversight, and consistently follow through on tasks and initiatives.
• Communication & Influence – Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across all organizational levels.
• Working Style & Adaptability – Proactive, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively while adapting to changing business needs.
• Industry Knowledge – Familiarity with fresh produce, packaging, retail, or supply chain environments is advantageous.
• Language & Mobility – Fluent in English, with additional Southern European language skills (ideally Spanish) considered a plus, and a willingness to travel within the assigned region.

We offer:

• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future-proof industry.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Flat hierarchies, fast decisions – Your ideas matter and drive real change. 
• Work your way – Enjoy hybrid work and workation options.
• Unlimited learning opportunities – Access to unlimited LinkedIn Learning. 
• Support when you need it – Our Employee Support Program.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages and a modern fitness centre to keep you going.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer.