Ircagroup2h ago

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Quality Performance Lead

United States·AfftonPermanent Full-Timelead

OtherQuality

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Quick Summary

Overview

The Irca Group is an International Leader in high quality finished and semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and ice cream markets. With a solid history of over 100 years in the industry,

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The Irca Group is an International Leader in high quality finished and semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry, and ice cream markets. With a solid history of over 100 years in the industry, the Group has its headquarters in Italy (Gallarate) and a strong global footprint with 23 production sites and over 2000 employees in Europe, the United States and Vietnam.

Our core product categories include chocolate, compounds, chocolate decorations, sprinkles, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, nuts and candied fruit. The most recent acquisition of Kerry Sweet complements our existing categories with the addition of sweet particulates, chocolate confections, inclusions, variegates and frozen fruit purees.

Through its 8 key brands (IRCA, Dobla®, in2food, Via Degli Orsini, JoyGelato, RaviFruit, Cesarin and Anastasi®) the IRCA Group offers an unparalleled "one-stop shop" approach for delivering quality solutions to all ingredients needs, through a broad range of innovative products. We offer every day and seasonal solutions to 3 macro channels: Gourmet, Food Manufacturing and Consumer Product (Retail). “Extraordinary made simple”

Job Purpose:

The Quality Performance Lead is responsible for governance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of the site Quality Management System (QMS). This role ensures audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and robust food safety programs while driving a prevention-first culture through data-driven insights, strong system ownership, and cross-functional collaboration.

QMS Governance & System Integrity

Own and manage document control systems, including procedures, records, and version control

Lead Change Control / Management of Change (MOC) program governance and execution

Lead Management Review and Food Safety Team processes, including scheduling, KPI inputs, and action tracking

Establish, maintain, and execute the site verification and validation master schedule

Audit & Compliance Leadership

Lead internal audit programs (SQF, GMP), including audit planning, execution, and follow-up

Coordinate and support external audits (customer, certification, regulatory), ensuring readiness and effective execution

Collaborate on audit responses, ensuring clear root cause, CAPA, and timely submission

Manage certification programs (e.g., Organic, RSPO, Fair Trade, Kosher, etc.), including compliance and inventory/accounting requirements where applicable

Provide updates and represent Quality in customer and certification forums as needed

Risk Management & Food Safety Programs

Maintain and continuously improve Food Safety Plan and Quality Plan, including hazard analyses and controls

Lead Food Defense program implementation, assessments, and updates

Support PCQI responsibilities, including verification activities

Ensure robust traceability systems and conduct traceability exercises to verify effectiveness

Issue Management & Continuous Improvement

Own and oversee the CAPA program, including quality of root cause analysis, effectiveness verification, and closure discipline

Track, trend, and analyze deviations, non-conformances, complaints, and CAPAs to drive systemic improvements

Audit third-party warehouses and external storage locations as needed

Commercialization & Product Compliance

Participate in commercialization and production readiness processes to ensure quality and compliance requirements are met

Review and approve product specifications, labeling, and certification claims

Support customer questionnaires, technical documentation, and regulatory inquiries

Review and approve system workflows (e.g., Optiva), ensuring alignment with quality and food safety requirements

Est up systematic product inspection plans (align SFDC, Optiva PLM and M3)

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

3–7 years of experience in Quality, Food Safety, or related function within food manufacturing

Experience with SQF or equivalent GFSI scheme required; PCQI certification preferred

Strong working knowledge of food safety systems, regulatory requirements (FSMA), and certification standards

Demonstrated experience with QMS ownership, audit leadership, and CAPA systems

Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement

Effective cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills

Strong communication skills, with ability to interface with customers, auditors, and leadership

Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Proficiency in quality systems and tools (e.g., Intelex, Optiva, ERP systems)

Ability to interpret technical, regulatory, and scientific information

Capable of presenting information clearly to stakeholders at multiple levels

Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Why Join Us:

Irca Group offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits: Medical, Dental, & Vision, 401(k) matching, Paid Vacation, and Holidays, Employee Education Tuition Reimbursement Program