Country Head of Quality

About the Role

Alexander Steele Recruitment is partnering with a prominent international food manufacturing company to appoint a Quality & Food Safety Head in Saudi Arabia. Based in Jeddah, this senior position oversees the complete Quality and Food Safety management across multiple manufacturing plants in the country, ensuring the production of safe, compliant, and superior food products. The role necessitates frequent travel within Saudi Arabia to support various sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the Food Safety Management System across several factories.
• Ensure adherence to HACCP, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, SFDA, and GCC regulations.
• Drive audit preparedness and handle internal and external audit processes effectively.
• Manage Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA), root cause analyses, and foster ongoing improvement initiatives.
• Standardize quality governance, systems, KPIs, and procedure frameworks across all locations.
• Oversee product quality, compliance matters, product release protocols, and incident management.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, certification entities, and external auditors.
• Promote and nurture a robust quality and food safety culture within factory teams.
• Mentor, develop, and lead the Quality and Food Safety personnel.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive leadership experience in Quality & Food Safety within FMCG or food manufacturing sectors.
• Proven ability managing operations at a site, multi-site, or country level in manufacturing contexts.
• In-depth expertise in Food Safety Management Systems, including HACCP, FSSC 22000, and ISO 22000 standards.
• Strong familiarity with SFDA and GCC regulatory requirements.
• Skilled in conducting audits, ensuring compliance, supplier quality management, and driving continuous improvements.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influence skills.
• Academic qualifications in Food Science, Microbiology, or closely related fields.
• Additional certifications like Lead Auditor or Food Safety are preferred.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, senior-level role providing an excellent opportunity for experienced Quality and Food Safety professionals to lead at the national level within a leading food manufacturing environment in Saudi Arabia.