Lead Specialist Quality Assurance

Job title - Lead Specialist Quality Assurance (81161)

Location - Collecchio, Parma (Italy)

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Collecchio, near the vibrant city of Parma, dsm-firmenich is proud to announce the opening of a cutting-edge production plant in early 2027.

The new state-of-the-art facility will feature the latest technologies such as ASTAROME™, to enable the use of liquid flavors in dry blends, and the production of more cost-effective reaction flavors. With automated packaging lines and modern warehouse, sampling, QC lab, and expansion capacity to ship, the site will be a state-of-the-art place to help fulfill the ambition of Taste, Texture & Health (TTH) of dsm-firmenich. It will be a place where talent and technology come together to fulfill our ambition: shaping the future together and driving the progress of food innovation.

We’re looking for a motivated and passionate Quality Assurance Lead Specialist, who will play a pivotal role in shaping quality and food safety excellence at our new Collecchio site from day one. You will take ownership of quality outcomes, lead and support audits and compliance activities, and embed robust quality systems that safeguard our customers and brands. This is a unique opportunity to help build a new plant, influence ways of working, and raise the bar for quality in close collaboration with our teams and customers.

This is a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level in an inspiring and dynamic environment. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of food experiences!

Your key responsibilities

• Support the setup and Quality foundation of a newly established site, ensuring readiness for operations and certifications under the direction of the Quality Manager
• Develop and implement the Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with FSSC22000, ISO9001, RSPO, and other relevant standards.
• Secure necessary approvals and certifications by writing and executing robust QMS documentation.
• Drive site-wide Quality strategy and objectives, aligned with global and regional goals to meet business and customer expectations.
• Foster a strong Quality culture, promoting continuous improvement across teams and processes.
• Oversee internal non-conformances and customer complaints, ensuring effective resolution and communication.
• Build and lead a high-performing Quality team, focusing on onboarding, coaching, and succession planning. Be a part of our TTH global Quality Network; allowing you to learn, share and exchange with other Quality colleagues within the business unit.

We offer

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen.
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.
• The annual gross salary for this position ranges from €38,360 to €40,000, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

You bring

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or related.
• At least 2 years of experience in Quality Assurance within food, nutrition, or related manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems is essential (BRC, FSSC , ISO).
• Food Hygiene Supervisor Level, HACCP, VACCP, TACCP and Lead Auditor Qualifications highly desired.
• Collaborative approach with effective communication skills, including with technical stakeholders.
• High level of accuracy, proactivity and continuous improvement orientation with a problem solving mindset.
• Excellent knowledge of Italian and very good knowledge of English.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Our application process

Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.