External Manufacturing Principal Quality Technician

Mars; Veghel; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Veghel is seeking an External Manufacturing Principal Quality Technician to secure external partner product quality across Europe. You will lead digital reporting, drive quality metrics, and manage documentation and certifications for co-packers and suppliers.

You will act as EMQA Digital Lead, coordinate Hold & Release processes, and collaborate across cross-functional teams to enable data-driven decisions. The role is a full-time, one-year contract based in Veghel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO, BRCGS, IFS).
• Experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Systems in food manufacturing.
• Experience facilitating technical workstreams with suppliers/external partners.
• Strong problem-solving with scientific/analytical mindset.
• Fast learning ability with new tools/tech.
• Proficiency with SAP, Power BI, and digital quality platforms.
• Excellent attention to detail and document management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Proactive, continuous improvement mindset; able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage quality data and records for external manufacturers and co-packers.
• Act as EMQA Digital Lead; own quality metrics, reporting, dashboards (Power BI, SAP).
• Drive digital transformation and improve reporting for decision-making.
• Lead Hold & Release processes; SME for the team.
• Coordinate complaint management, trend analysis, and follow-ups.
• Prepare reports for QBRs and ad hoc requests.
• Maintain external certification records (GFSI, Lifestyle, etc.).
• Manage supplier files and key quality metrics for data accuracy.
• Coordinate document sharing and approvals via DocuSign.
• Support Product Verification across Europe (excluding the UK).
• Lead NQC workstream, blocked stock reviews; provide team support.

Skills

Quality data management

Power BI

SAP

Digital transformation

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology

Tools

DocuSign

Job description

Job Description:

Segment: Mars Snacking

Location: Veghel

Contract: Full -time, one-year contract

Make Tomorrow Better Through Quality

At Mars, quality is more than a standard. It's how we build trust with millions of consumers, partners, and pet owners every day. As an External Manufacturing Principal Quality Technician, you will play a key role in ensuring that products manufactured by our external partners consistently meet Mars' global quality expectations.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for quality, data, systems, and continuous improvement in a highly collaborative international environment. Working closely with our Chocolate and Ice Cream co-manufacturing network across Europe, you will help drive compliance, strengthen quality processes, and enable data-driven decision-making that supports our iconic brands.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Manage quality data and records for external manufacturers and co-packers in line with Mars External Manufacturing Quality Management Standards
• Act as the EMQA Digital Lead, owning quality metrics, reporting, and dashboard development through Power BI and SAP-based solutions
• Drive digital transformation and continuously improve reporting capabilities that support business decision-making
• Become the team's subject matter expert for Hold & Release processes
• Coordinate complaint management activities, including reporting, follow-up with external manufacturers, and trend analysis
• Prepare reporting for quarterly and annual business reviews, as well as ad hoc quality performance requests
• Maintain external certification records, including GFSI, Lifestyle, and other quality-related certifications
• Manage supplier files and key quality metrics to ensure data accuracy and compliance
• Coordinate document sharing and approvals through DocuSign
• Support Product Verification activities across Europe (excluding the UK)
• Act as the Quality point of contact for the NQC workstream and lead the blocked stock review process
• Provide administrative and operational support to the wider EMQA team when required

What are we looking for?

• A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field (preferred)
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems such as ISO, BRCGS, or IFS
• Experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Systems, or a related food manufacturing environment
• Experience facilitating technical workstreams and collaborating with suppliers or external partners
• Strong problem-solving skills with a scientific and analytical mindset
• High learning agility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tools and technologies
• Proficiency or strong interest in systems such as SAP, Power BI, and other digital quality platforms
• Excellent attention to detail and strong document management capabilities
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• A proactive, continuous improvement mindset and the ability to work independently

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Ready to make an impact?

If you're passionate about quality, enjoy turning data into insights, and thrive in a collaborative environment where you can influence both systems and people, we'd love to hear from you.