At Belcolade, a division of Puratos, a growing chocolate producer in Erembodegem, we are looking for a
**Quality Assurance Manager**. As QA Manager of our Belgian chocolate products, you manage a quality management system (covering raw materials, finished products, outsourcing, processes and services) in accordance with GFSI standards and customer requirements. You ensure a food safety and quality culture in accordance with Puratos Group standards and policies. You’ll be part of a passionate, growing team on a site doubling its capacity.

**Key Accountabilities**

**You are a great coach for your team**
- You guide and **empower the QA & Raw materials team** (4 people) in driving our food safety and quality culture to the next level.
- You support the Quality team and colleagues in other departments to implement raw materials, packaging, and outsourcing requirements.
- You **strive for continuous improvement** through systematic trend analysis of complaints, execution of root cause analysis, follow-up of corrective & preventive measures, active contribution to CI projects and personal development (quality standards, processes and ingredients related topics/trends).
- You select, evaluate performance and manage budget of external service providers (i.c. certification bodies, pest control,).

**You supervise the Quality Assurance of our chocolate products**
- You will **handle high-risk complaints** and manage the withdrawal of finished goods/trade goods.
- You **lead HACCP risk assessments, verifications, and annual management reviews**, contributing to food defense and fraud prevention.
- You collaborate with the Puratos Group risk manager and actively participate in group projects.
- You conduct GMP, internal, and supplier audits as part of the Quality team and coordinate on external audits & certifications.
- You develop and implement food safety & quality manuals that adhere to regulations, standards, and customer requirements.
- You **monitor and report quality KPIs** to site management and the Puratos Group and are a key member of the local crisis management team.
- You ensure **HACCP approval** for new products and outsourced processes.
- You establish and follow a risk-based food safety monitoring plan and environmental sampling plan.
- You collaborate with other departments for additional sampling plans and testing requirements.
- You edit and implement procedures and work instructions in the quality & food safety manual related to raw materials, packaging, and outsourcing.

**You lead our vendor quality management**
- You take the **lead in risk assessments for food safety, quality, and food fraud prevention of raw materials and primary packaging**. Stay updated on market trends and develop scientific knowledge to enhance purchase specifications and incoming goods inspections.
- You coordinate and lead meetings involving affected departments to align on RM and packaging topics.
- You **establish and update a risk-based supplier audit plan**, covering all aspects of the quality management system.
- You oversee the **approval/validation of new suppliers, raw materials, packaging, and subcontractors.**:

- You prioritize safety, health, and environment by reporting unsafe situations, following rules, and participating in risk-management.
- You adhere to food defense and food fraud guidelines.

**Who are we looking for?**
- You have a university degree in Food science and/or can present relevant experience in the food industry, (cocoa) raw materials or packaging.
- You have experience as a strong human-oriented people manager, can listen well and always put cooperation first.
- You obtained experience with GFSI quality standards, (internal) auditing and QC and risk assessment (incl. food fraud).
- Safety, hygiene and quality are naturally of paramount importance to you.
- You take initiative and think problem-solving, with an accurate and organized approach.
- You can communicate and negotiate smoothly with internal contacts and suppliers
- Knowledge of chocolate products, ingredient functionality and chocolate processing is a plus.
- You speak Dutch and English fluently.
- You can work smoothly with the Office package and preferably also with SAP.

**Why should you join Puratos?**

You will be welcomed in a dynamic work environment where passion for innovation, team spirit and continuous improvement are key. You can count on a competitive salary package with attractive benefits such as:

- Meal vouchers (8€/day)
- Group, dental and hospitalization insurance fully paid by Puratos
- 13th month pay
- Company car
- Minimum 5 training days per year
- Responsibilities and the possibility to take ownership of your work

Watch our corporate movie and feel the Puratos Magic:
**Who are we?**

Become part of our Belcolatiers team Discover more here: belcolatiers.be

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