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.
### Requirements
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)
### Qualifications
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
