Quality and Food Safety Head

Job description

Strategic & Governance Leadership Define and deploy the regional Quality & Food Safety (QFS) strategy, governance framework, and annual operating plan in alignment with global QFS standards. Lead regional QFS performance governance, KPI management, and harmonization of quality systems and practices across all sites. Ensure effective implementation and compliance of QMS/FSMS and relevant certifications across all SSEA operations, in line with global policies, internal procedures, and regulatory requirements. Digital Quality & Modernization Lead the regional rollout of digital QMS/FSMS solutions, including LIMS, SPC, real-time monitoring tools, and digital dashboards. Oversee data integrity, analytics capability, and digital maturity across sites, OEMs, and tollers. Drive adoption of innovative QFS technologies and global best practices to enhance efficiency and decision-making. Risk, Crisis & Regulatory Leadership Govern the regional crisis and product recall management framework, ensuring preparedness, cross-functional coordination, and timely escalation. Monitor regulatory developments, assess business impact, and ensure proactive compliance actions. Act as the regional representative to regulatory authorities, including participation in inspections and external engagements. OEM, Toller & Supplier Governance Define and oversee the regional framework for OEM and toller QFS governance, including risk assessment, certification oversight, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement. Lead the annual OEM/toller audit program, including escalation management and corrective action governance. Strengthen supplier QFS performance in close collaboration with Procurement and Operations teams. Regional Performance & Continuous Improvement Lead regional QFS audits across factories, warehouses, OEMs, and tollers, ensuring robust follow-up and systemic improvement. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce complaints, incidents, and non-conformities through strong root-cause analysis and preventive systems. Build a strong quality culture and customer-centric mindset across the region. Lead regional laboratory management and validation programs, ensuring reliable test data, efficient lab operations, and full SHE compliance. Manage the regional QFS budget, operating expenses, and CAPEX initiatives, including business case development and value realization. Lead QFS design for new projects and actively support R&D initiatives from a prevention and risk management perspective. Leadership & People Development Build regional capability through coaching, structured training, and capability uplift programs for site QFS leaders and teams. Lead talent development, succession planning, and competency frameworks within the regional QFS function. Set objectives, allocate resources, manage performance, and foster a high-performance, collaborative regional team. Minimum 10+ years of experience in Quality & Food Safety, with at least 5 years in a managerial/leadership role within food manufacturing, food ingredients, edible oils, agribusiness, or related industries. Experience managing multi-site operations and leading cross-functional teams to ensure consistent Quality & Food Safety standards across locations. Proven experience in leading Quality & Food Safety Management Systems (FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, ISO standards), regulatory compliance, customer audits, and certification programs. Strong expertise in risk management, hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, food defense, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation. Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement, quality projects, operational excellence, and performance management across manufacturing operations. Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels and communicate effectively in English (written and spoken). Tech-savvy professional with experience utilizing Digital QMS, LIMS, SPC, data analytics, and performance reporting tools, supported by excellent communication skills in English and a track record of building trust, accountability, and high-performing teams. Diversity & Inclusion LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Sustainability Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company. We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us What We Offer We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world. We offer Competitive salary and benefits​​​​​​ Social and health insurance Access to Training and Development Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.