Job title - Quality Manager, Taste

Location - Kitaibaraki, Japan

As a Quality Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all quality activities at the site, from receiving materials through to releasing products to customers. You will also be required to manage and maintain all requirements related to FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 certifications.

In addition, you will provide guidance and recommendations to the Operations, Customer Excellence, Logistics, and Purchasing teams on all quality-related matters. You will also provide quality-specific support to the Marketing and Sales teams for customer-related activities, including the alignment of customer quality agreements and the sign-off of specifications.

Your key responsibilities

  • Establish the quality plan, including quality culture, organizational structure, and internal and external quality audit plans; obtain approval and manage the execution of the plan
  • Ensure that appropriate systems (e.g. Quality Management System, FSSC 22000, and cGMP) are implemented and maintained in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards
  • Drive continuous improvement by ensuring the organization learns from deviations and that deficiencies identified during internal and external audits are translated into corrective actions. Monitor the implementation of corrective actions and escalate issues to the appropriate management level where required
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, representing the site on quality-related topics and issues while fostering a customer-first quality mindset
  • Participate in the site management team and contribute to plant goals as outlined in the annual manufacturing plan. The role is also expected to lead and participate in cross-functional workstreams beyond the Quality function
  • Lead and develop the site Quality team to drive continuous improvement and prepare the organization for future business needs

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
  • A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well

You bring

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or an equivalent scientific discipline
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in Quality within the food or a related industry, including at least 5 years in a management position
  • Proven people management experience, including change management. Prior line management experience and participation in a management team are essential
  • Strong sense of ownership, with a track record of delivering results that contribute significantly to organizational success
  • Accountable and confident in decision-making, ensuring alignment with company values and positive business outcomes
  • Good written, verbal, and reading communication skills in 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.

And if you have a disability or need any saupport through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

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.

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