Food Safety Expert

If you are in the Unilever Ice Cream business or consider choosing to work for the Unilever Ice Cream business, you will work for the Global, leading Ice Cream player with €7.9bn Turn Over in 2023. The Ice Cream business is operating in a highly attractive category, as we are part of the 1 trillion snacking and refreshment industry, growing consistently at high pace. We have strong brands equities: 5 of top 10 selling brands including Wall’s, Magnum, Ben &Jerry’s. We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of Ice Cream as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by November 2025.

Ice Cream has distinct characteristics from Unilever’s other operating businesses and the growth potential of Ice Cream will be better delivered under a different ownership structure. As Ice Cream company we are committed to developing and nurturing talent within our Ice Cream company. You will have ample options for career growth and exploration, allowing you for you to explore roles and opportunities across the new organisation. Your career development will be a priority for us, and we are dedicated to supporting your growth journey within the new company. We hope that you will want to build the new chapter of our Ice Cream history together with us.

Unilever Ice Cream is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. Committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability we have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), a strong presence in over 60 countries, generating annual revenue of over $8 billion. All brands are driven to transform moments into memories through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.

We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative Ice Cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our Ice Cream business, we’re crafting the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As Ice Cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products.

JOB PURPOSE:

Quality is a key driver of competitive advantage in the Ice Cream business. Food Safety Expert plays a crucial role in embedding a strong culture of quality within the business unit, ensuring every product delivers the best experience and delights our consumers.

This role leads allergen management within the business group (BG), ensuring compliance with the Food Safety Program. Responsibilities include developing allergen procedures, leading root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions (CAPA), and promoting continuous improvement. The individual will drive supply chain efficiency, implement best practices, and use data analytics to prevent food safety issues. They will also lead digital transformation in allergen management, identify potential allergens, prevent cross-contact, lead training programs, and manage crises related to product incidents.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead expertise (Allergen Management) in the BG, driving and ensuring compliance with the Food Safety Program.
• Develop allergen procedures for BG/BU/factories aligned with local legislation requirements.
• Lead and participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective & preventive action (CAPA) at the BG level and support the BU team.
• Capture lessons learned and feed them back internally, promoting a no-fault-forward and continuous improvement quality culture (BG/BU).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain, optimizing efficiency and reducing defects related to food safety.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to implement best practices in SC and laboratories.
• Deploy BG Quality OKRs related to food safety (allergen management) and monitor ongoing progress and performance promptly.
• Apply data analytics to predict and prevent potential food safety issues before they occur, improving overall food safety management.
• Lead a digital transformation in expertise (E2E allergen management).
• Identify all potential allergens in raw materials, ingredients, and finished goods. Conduct risk assessments to determine the likelihood and severity of allergen contamination.
• Implement strict protocols to prevent cross-contact between allergenic and non-allergenic foods.
• Lead training programs related to allergens in BG/BU.
• Stakeholder communication: Provide transparency in reporting and documentation to build trust and compliance.
• Crisis management: Be the product incident management member in case of marketplace incidents and analyze the consumer safety risk or brand reputation at the BG/BU level.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

SKILLS :   

• Strong leadership: A proven leader who is committed and enthusiastic
• Good prioritization skills: ability to navigate between the many tasks and being able to ruthlessly prioritize those activities that are most important/urgent.
• Analytical skills: utilize data analysis tools to monitor quality metrics, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to improve overall product quality.

Auditing skills: a clear understanding and ability to assess and act upon product safety, quality, efficacy, and compliance risks.

• Effective Communication and stakeholder management: ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive approach: Anticipating potential quality issues, implementing preventive measures, and continuously seeking opportunities for improvement.

EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS :

• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards: Ensuring compliance with regulations such as c GMP, HACCP, FSSC22000, and local food labeling requirements.
• Proven experience in quality management within Food companies, supplier quality management, and manufacturing process
• At least 10 – 15 years of relevant experience in quality / R&D.
• Experience in virtual teamwork.

LEADERSHIP:

• You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way.
• As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors
  • PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
  • PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.
  • CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
  • PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.
  • AGILITY: Explores the world around them, continually learning and developing their skills.
     

WHAT DO WE OFFER 

- Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme. 

- Hybrid Work (you can work from home 2/3 days per week) 

- 4 weeks of Flex Work per year: Opportunity to work remotely for the entire week without coming into the office. 

- Flexible hours: Work hours with a wide range of starting and ending times to accommodate your needs. 

- Restaurant Card and canteen service in our offices. 

- Parking: Possibility of parking at the offices at a reduced cost and with free electric chargers. 

- Online language courses. 

- Wellbeing Programs: Resources and activities to promote physical, mental, emotional, and purposeful wellbeing. 

- Online store with exclusive discounts on UL products and other recognized brands. 

And many more! 

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV, talent card and a motivation letter.  If you have been informed that you are at risk of redundancy, please make sure to tick this box during your application. Please also attach your letter of redundancy to the application.

Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Disclaimer 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

This is an office-based role that requires 40% of time attendance to the site

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.