The posting
Come and join the leading #avoexperts. Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and value added products, serving customers across retail and wholesale markets around the world. Through our vertically integrated supply chain, we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocados and fresh produce 365 days a year.
With operations across Europe, Africa, North America and Latin America, and the world's largest avocado growing footprint, we're recognised as the leading #avoexperts and a trusted partner to customers globally and are actively looking to secure a new Head of Quality
Help Shape Our Next Chapter in Germany
At Westfalia Germany, we combine the agility and hands-on approach of a mid-sized business with the strength and international reach of a global leader in avocados and fresh produce. Our trusted relationships with leading retailers in Germany and Austria are built on market knowledge, strong service and a clear customer focus. Working closely with colleagues, growers and partners around the world, we respond quickly to a demanding retail market, with sustainability embedded in how we operate.
Our culture is open, approachable and collaborative. We support each other, make pragmatic decisions and encourage everyone to take ownership, contribute ideas and find solutions. Here, you can see the impact of your work on our business and customer relationships. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment where you can think ahead, take responsibility and help shape the business, Westfalia Germany offers the opportunity to make a difference within a global organisation.
The Role
The Head of Quality Management is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of Quality, Food Safety, Sustainability, and Compliance across the organization. This role combines leadership responsibility with a hands-on approach, actively supporting day-to-day quality operations, customer requirements, audits, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities Include:
- Overall responsibility for the company's Quality Management System (QMS)
- Creation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of quality and food safety-related product specifications
- Ensuring compliance with quality, food safety, sustainability, and regulatory requirements
- Analysis, documentation, and implementation of customer quality requirements
- Planning, coordination, and management of internal and external audits
- Conducting audits of growers, suppliers, and service providers in Germany, Europe, and South America
- Functional and disciplinary leadership, development, and coaching of the Quality team.
- Implementation and continuous development of Health & Safety policies and Group standards
- Monitoring regulatory developments and ensuring compliance with applicable requirements, particularly in Food Safety, Sustainability, and Packaging
- Acting as the key contact for customers, certification bodies, auditors, and regulatory authorities
- Lead responsibility for IFS, including preparation and support of certification and customer audits
- Maintain and further develop the Quality and Food Safety Management System
- Ensure compliance with relevant quality, hygiene and food safety standards
- Support further relevant certifications and standards, particularly QS, BIO and GQB
- Manage audits, non-conformities, complaints and continuous improvement actions
- Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, suppliers, customers and international Quality functions
Requirements
- Degree in Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
- Several years of experience in Quality Management within the food industry
- Strong knowledge of Food Safety, Quality Management Systems, and Health & Safety requirements
- Proven experience with relevant standards and certifications, including IFS Food, IFS Wholesale, HACCP, GLOBALG.A.P., and GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody (CoC)
- Knowledge of sustainability and ethical sourcing standards, including SMETA, SIZA, Rainforest Alliance (RFA), and SPRING
- Good understanding of packaging legislation and sustainability requirements, particularly the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
- Experience in managing customer, supplier, certification, and regulatory audits
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities in an international environment
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities
- Fluent German and English (C1/C2)
- Willingness to travel internationally as required
Benefits
What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?
- Competitive salary starting at €70,000 and scaling with experience
- '30 days holiday.
- In-house English course.
- Membership in the body & soul fitness centre (for a small fee).
- Free parking.
- Fresh fruit & coffee specialties.
Our Recruitment Process
Our recruitment process is designed to be transparent and engaging. Whilst the exact stages may vary, you can typically expect:
- Personally reviewed application by our International TA team
- Introductory call with our UK based in-house TA team to qualify the basics
- Stage 1. Virtual interview with the Hiring Manager
- Stage 2. Onsite interview with the local team (including People and Culture) with accompanying business case (where applicable)
We'll keep you informed throughout each stage of the process and aim to provide timely communication and feedback wherever possible.
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.
