Senior Team Leader, Quality Control

dsm-firmenich; Montechiarugolo; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

DSM-Firmenich AG is establishing a new Collecchio QC laboratory. You will lead the QC team, set up the lab, and ensure accurate and timely product release while upholding GMP and data integrity.

The role demands driving continuous improvement in analytical capabilities. You will coordinate with Quality, Operations and Supply Chain, manage capacity and testing priorities, and establish robust, right‑first‑time laboratory practices from the start.

Qualifications

• Degree, diploma or equivalent in chemistry, food science, microbiology or related discipline.
• Significant experience in a QC laboratory within food, flavor, nutrition or related manufacturing environment, including leadership.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, safety and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Set up and lead the QC laboratory at Collecchio site start-up.
• Lead, coach and develop the QC team to ensure right‑first‑time testing.
• Manage sampling, testing plans, and data integrity for release.
• Oversee instrument calibration, method transfer and CAPA actions.
• Monitor KPIs and drive lab efficiency and quality improvements.

Skills

Italian language

Leadership

Quality control

Education

Degree in chemistry/food science/microbiology

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Job title - Senior Team Leader, Quality Control (83292)

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 of dsm-firmenich. It will be a state-of-the-art 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 hands‑on Senior Team Leader, Quality Control to establish and lead the quality control laboratory at our new Collecchio site. You will lead the QC team, coordinate laboratory capacity and testing priorities, ensure accurate and timely product release, and maintain strong standards for methods, equipment, safety and data integrity. Working closely with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain and other site functions, you will build team capability and create efficient, right‑first‑time laboratory practices from the start. You will play a key role in establishing the laboratory's analytical and sensory capabilities during the site start‑up phase.

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

• Lead the setup, qualification and operational readiness of the QC laboratory, including staffing, workflows, methods, equipment, systems and safety controls required for site start‑up and routine production.
• Lead, coach and develop the QC team; allocate daily work, set priorities and expectations, manage performance and build a collaborative, accountable and safety‑focused culture.
• Ensure sampling and chemical, physical, organoleptic and environmental testing are completed accurately, safely and on time in accordance with approved methods, specifications and data integrity requirements, including support for sensory evaluation activities and physicochemical testing used for raw material and finished product release.
• Own the daily QC testing plan and laboratory capacity, balancing production, release and customer priorities while managing sample flow, turnaround times and service levels.
• Review and approve analytical results and laboratory records within delegated authority, ensuring timely escalation and robust investigation of atypical, out‑of‑specification and out‑of‑trend results.
• Ensure laboratory instruments, calibration, verification, reference standards, reagents, consumables and external service activities are controlled, available and compliant.
• Lead method transfer, validation and troubleshooting activities, and drive effective investigations, non‑conformance management and corrective and preventive actions, while supporting the implementation and continuous development of laboratory analytical capabilities.
• Monitor QC performance through relevant KPIs and visual management, identify risks and improvement opportunities, and collaborate across functions to improve laboratory quality, efficiency, cost and right‑first‑time performance.

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.
• For this role, the salary range is €38,360 – €45,000 gross per year.

Your offer within this range will be determined based on objective, gender-neutral and role-related criteria, including your relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and primary work location.

Our compensation practices are designed to ensure a fair and equitable pay approach. Benefits and incentive opportunities, where applicable, may vary depending on the work location and the role.

You bring

• Degree, diploma or equivalent technical qualification in chemistry, food science, microbiology or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a quality control laboratory within food, flavour, nutrition or a related manufacturing environment, including experience leading or supervising a technical team. Experience with physicochemical testing and sensory evaluation activities would be highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to plan laboratory capacity, set priorities, coordinate daily activities, manage performance and develop team capability in a fast‑paced operation.
• Strong practical knowledge of laboratory sampling and testing, instrument qualification and calibration, method transfer or validation, results review and LIMS or similar laboratory systems. Experience with analytical laboratory techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, moisture or water activity testing, particle size analysis, or similar physicochemical analyses would be an advantage.
• Strong understanding of GMP, laboratory safety, data integrity and food safety and quality management systems such as FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001. Knowledge of microbiology and food safety risk assessment would be considered an advantage.
• Proven problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with experience managing out‑of‑specification results, investigations, non‑conformances, CAPA and continuous improvement.
• Clear and confident communication, stakeholder management and change leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Quality, Operations and Supply Chain.
• Excellent knowledge of Italian and good working 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.

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.

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.