Food Safety & Quality Lead Auditor

About the Role:

We are currently looking for a Food Safety & Quality Lead Auditor to join our Americas Food Safety and Quality Audit department based in Chicagoand are actively reviewing applications.

The Food Safety & Quality Audit team is responsible for conducting audits across the Ferrero value chain which include Ferrero Group plants, Co-manufacturers, Co-packers, Hazelnut processing units, Business Units and Supply Chain warehouses. Food Safety & Quality auditors are also involved in supporting the evaluation of the newly acquired companies by the Group.

As the Food Safety & Quality Lead Auditor you will interact across many organizational functions such as Operations, Supply Chain, Food Safety and Quality, Regulatory and R&D functions. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build a global network and establish the foundation for a career development path within the Ferrero Group.

For this open position we are looking for a candidate based in the Ferrero Headquarters in Chicago, IL

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead and Coach a Team of up to 5 people & plan and execute audits against the Ferrero Food Safety and Quality Audit requirements.

• Identify risks and opportunities for continuous improvement to enable effective corrective action through the organization.

• Prepare and release audit reports based on facts observed during the on-site visit.

• Joining or leading projects within the Quality Audit organization to drive Organization development and participate in joint projects with other functions across Ferrero Group.

• Traveling approximately 50% of the time, domestically and internationally.

About You:

• Bachelor's degree required with an advanced technical degree in food science, micro-biology, or related technical field

• 10+ years of relevant experience including progressive responsibilities in the fast-moving consumer goods industry with operational role in Quality & Food Safety.

• Experience with FSMA (including Preventive Controls, FSVP, Sanitary Transport, and Intentional Adulteration); HACCP/HARPC plan design, measurement, documentation, & training required

• HACCP certification required. FSMA PCQI and GFSI (BRC, SQF or FSSC 22000) certifications preferred

• Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills

• Strong interpersonal skills (communication, coaching, setting expectations, providing feedback)

• Proven leadership abilities directing and developing a high performing team with a clear vision and a mindset of accountability

• Fluent in English, any additional language is a plus.

• Any working experience in chocolate/biscuit/nuts/ ice-cream/dairy manufacturing environment will be appreciated.

• Lead auditor certifications are desirable (e.g., ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, HACCP and any GFSI benchmark standards).

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.

• Team leader with effective communication, influencing and presentation skills.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

Our Benefits & Perks:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $174,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding. Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.