North America VP Food Safety & Quality Third Parties Operations (Co-Pack & Co-Man) (Parsippany, NJ, US)

About the Role:

We have a current opening for a VP Food Safety & Quality North America for Co-Packers and Co-Manufacturers and are actively reviewing applications.

Ferrero is anything but ordinary! Ferrero is a global company that is privately owned by the Ferrero family. The company has grown from the small Italian confectionary shop in Alba, Italy to become the third largest confectionary manufacturer in the world, producing famous market-leading brands such as Nutella®, Tic Tac®, Ferrero Rocher®, and Kinder Joy®.

With new innovations and exciting expansions plans in place, there has never been a better time to join the Ferrero Group and be extraordinary with us!

The VP Food Safety & Quality for Co-Manufacturing in North America leads the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the Food Safety & Quality standards in Co-Manufacturers, Co-Packers (20/30 plants) located in the US and Canada. This position drives the Quality and Food Safety programs for all Ferrero businesses (Chocolate, Cookies, Frozen Bakery, etc.) in partnership with our Copackers and Co-Manufacturers and in collaboration with all Ferrero functions involved.

Reporting to the SVP Food Safety & Quality North America, you will be a member of the FSQ Leadership team in the area, managing a team of associates.

This position is key to support our expansion, in developing partnerships with our Co-manufacturing, enabling agility and speed, while securing Quality and Food Safety, to support innovation and production of our expanding product portfolio.

Main Responsibilities:

• Define and propose to the Area SVP FS Quality a strategy for Co-Manufacturers

• Identify priorities and resources for establishing compliance to Ferrero standard and for improving performance versus KPI’s.

• Define and coordinate the execution of the audits program of CMD

• Maintain and update the CMD quality standard and requirement in collaboration with Central Ferrero Group Food Safety and quality functions

• Lead qualification and disqualification process

• Assure that Root cause analysis and Correctives actions are defined and implemented for major and critical Non Conformities

• Manage programs implementation at each CMD

• Communicate clearly directions, programs, projects, status with level of details adapted to the audience (Working team or High level executives)

• Coordinate crisis management at Co-Manufacturers, from risk assessment to Correctives actions, assure traceability in collaboration with supply chain and co-manufacturers.

About You:

• Master’s degree in Food Science / Food Technology

• Experience with Co-Manufacturing, Co-Packing in the food industry in the US

• Previous experience in a Plant Food Safety manager role, or in a significant role in Food manufacturing

• Experience in auditing and or managing a team of auditors

• Experience with R&D and innovation a plus

• Crisis management experience

• Education Allergen management, Pathogens

• Root cause analysis and improvement plans education and practice

• Good knowledge of FDA FSMA Preventives controls, CFIA a plus

• Team building and management experience

• Leadership skills, ability to define and drive an agenda and programs cross functionally and with external third party partners

• Strong presentation skills, detailed or high executive level

• Ability to lead and influence others, build trust and partnerships with Co-Manufacturers

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.

What We Offer:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base compensation range for this position is $169,317 - $225,756. 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.