Compliance Coordinator / Food Safety Team Lead

Are you passionate about food safety and quality management? Do you have a strong background in food safety systems and compliance? Join our dynamic team as a Food Safety Team Lead / Compliance Coordinator and play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality at our site located in IJmuiden in The Netherlands.Reporting to the Site Quality Manager, you will share responsibility for our full site Food Safety & Quality program. Your role will be key in driving our food safety culture and ensuring continuous compliance with customer-specific standards, BRC (IFS), and our internal group benchmarking standards. As a highly audited site, we pride ourselves on maintaining audit readiness every day, and your contributions will be critical to our success.You will work closely with the Site Quality Manager and our Group Food Safety and Compliance team to align with the C&D Group Quality Strategy, focusing on food safety, Quality Management Systems (QMS), and standards. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.Key ResponsibilitiesFood Safety Management System (FSMS)Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the site’s FSMS to ensure compliance with company standards, BRC Global Standards, and retailer-specific requirements.Conduct gap analyses, update procedures, and manage document control to ensure compliance.Coordinate internal and external audits and manage corrective actions to resolve non-conformances.Regularly review and assess FSMS effectiveness through internal audits, inspections, and verification activities.Issue internal NCRs and perform root cause analysis (RCA) to implement corrective actions.Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead and develop the site’s Food Safety Team (HACCP Team), ensuring all members are well-trained and informed.Foster a strong food safety culture across the site, collaborating with production, engineering, and supply chain teams.Conduct and lead HACCP team meetings and serve as the official deputy of the QA Manager.Compliance and Regulatory AffairsPrepare for and lead the site through BRC, customer audits, and other compliance inspections.Manage documentation, records, and reporting related to food safety compliance, ensuring audit readiness at all times.Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities for continuous improvement in food safety practices, processes, and systems.Lead RCA of food safety incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.Reporting & CommunicationProvide regular updates on food safety performance, audit results, and compliance issues to the Site Quality Manager and senior management.Communicate food safety objectives and performance across the site to promote a culture of continuous improvement.Additional ResponsibilitiesAssist in managing Thermal Processing & Pest Control requirements.Ensure compliance with cleaning standards and assist in factory release processes.Provide cover for the Thermal Processing Technologist and participate in daily panel and GMP rounds as needed.Key Skills and QualificationsEducation: Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Veterinary Science, or a related field.Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years in a food manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on food safety and compliance. Experience in pet food production and external audits is highly desirable.Certifications: HACCP, Internal Auditing.Knowledge: In-depth understanding of BRC Global Standards, retailer-specific requirements, and food safety legislation. Proficiency in English is required; Dutch language skills are an advantage.Skills:Leadership and team management experience.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.Fluent in DutchCompetenciesLeadership: Inspire and lead teams in a dynamic pet food production environment.Collaboration: Strong team player with the ability to work cross-functionally.Proactivity: Take initiative in identifying and addressing food safety risks.Why Join Us?At C&D Foods we are committed to excellence in pet food production. You will be part of a dedicated team that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive compensation, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work environment.Ready to make a difference? Apply Now!