Interim Food Safety

Are you an experienced Food Safety & Quality leader looking for a high-impact interim challenge within a premium manufacturing environment?

At Randstad, we are currently partnering with a leading international confectionery and food manufacturing group to recruit an Interim Food Safety & Quality Manager for their production plant located in Lier, Belgium.

This is a 6-month assignment to ensure leadership, operational continuity, and compliance across all quality systems on-site during a temporary leave.

The Mission & Key Responsibilities:

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and functionally to the Global FS&Q Director, you will manage an on-site team of 5 quality professionals and drive the site’s food safety culture:

• Standards & Compliance: Uphold and maintain GFSI benchmark certifications (BRC, IFS) and ensure full compliance with EU food safety regulations.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and empower the local quality and food safety team (5 FTEs).
• Continuous Improvement: Oversee Root Cause Analysis, FMEA risk assessments, CAPA, and GMP inspection programs via modern digital shopfloor platforms.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the technical point of contact for external auditors, authorities, major clients, and suppliers (including occasional audits).
• Multi-site Collaboration: Support regional hub projects with occasional travel within Belgium (including visits to sister sites as required).

Profile Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience: 7+ years of proven track record in Food Safety & Quality leadership roles within the food manufacturing industry (confectionery, chocolate, or high-care sectors strongly preferred).
• Technical Expertise: In-depth mastery of BRC / IFS schemes, allergen management, HACCP, traceability systems, and crisis management.
• Languages: Professional fluency in both Dutch/Flemish (essential for local plant communication) and English (corporate reporting level).
• Availability & Mobility: Full availability for the complete assignment window and willingness to travel within Belgium (~40%).

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Drive quality standards in a high-reputation production facility specialized in premium products.
• Direct visibility with both plant leadership and corporate quality executives.
• A collaborative environment where your technical expertise and decision-making will have an immediate impact.

The Mission & Key Responsibilities:

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and functionally to the Global FS&Q Director, you will manage an on-site team of 5 quality professionals and drive the site’s food safety culture:

• Standards & Compliance: Uphold and maintain GFSI benchmark certifications (BRC, IFS) and ensure full compliance with EU food safety regulations.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and empower the local quality and food safety team (5 FTEs).
• Continuous Improvement: Oversee Root Cause Analysis, FMEA risk assessments, CAPA, and GMP inspection programs via modern digital shopfloor platforms.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the technical point of contact for external auditors, authorities, major clients, and suppliers (including occasional audits).
• Multi-site Collaboration: Support regional hub projects with occasional travel within Belgium (including visits to sister sites as required).