Quality Specialist

Progressive; Leeuwarden; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive is seeking an experienced Quality Specialist to safeguard quality and food safety across innovation, change, and CAPEX projects at multiple production sites in the Netherlands. The role emphasizes NPD, QA, and change management, with occasional travel to Groningen and Lochem.

You will guide risk assessment, support new product introductions, develop sampling and QC strategies, review processes, and lead governance through Change Board meetings, training teams, and ensuring SAP PLM

Job description

For one of our clients in the food manufacturing industry, we are looking for an experienced Quality Specialist with a strong background in New Product Development (NPD), Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Change Management. In this role, you will be responsible for safeguarding quality and food safety standards across innovation, change, and CAPEX projects within multiple production sites.

Details:

• Start Date: 1 December 2026
• End Date: 26 March 2027
• Occasional travel to production sites in Groningen and Lochem

Responsibilities:

• Provide expert guidance on food safety and quality risks within NPD, change, and CAPEX projects
• Support the implementation of new products, processes, and packaging solutions in manufacturing environments
• Develop sampling plans and quality control strategies for pilot and commercial production runs
• Review production processes, products, and packaging from a quality perspective
• Support product specifications and approval workflows within SAP PLM
• Assist with certification audits for newly implemented products and processes
• Lead quality-related troubleshooting activities following project implementation
• Establish and maintain quality standards within change management processes
• Chair Change Board meetings and support governance of project-related quality decisions
• Define validation requirements, release criteria, and quality approvals for new processes and equipment
• Deliver quality input for project gate reviews and business-critical decision-making
• Train project managers and cross-functional teams on quality and change management requirements
• Coach and support less experienced quality professionals

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of Quality Assurance experience within the food manufacturing industry
• Experience with consumer-facing branded food products
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, food safety standards, and relevant regulations
• Proven experience in manufacturing or production environments
• Experience with product development, process validation, and change management
• Ability to work independently and drive projects from initiation through implementation
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and matrix organizations
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Technical affinity and experience with engineering or technical implementation projects
• Fluent in English; Dutch is a plus

Interested, or do you know someone who could be a great fit? Feel free to get in touch via [e-mail].