IRCA is a leading international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry and gelato markets, serving independent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients.

The Company, headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, the global Private Equity firm, in July 2022, and has a strong track record of growth over the last decade. IRCA has made 2 bolt-on acquisitions in the areas of candied fruits (Cesarin) and pistachio ingredients (Anastasi) in 2022, and recently acquired a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target’s business focuses on high-value add specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment, with a portfolio that incorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées

This transformative deal created a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry, with 22 manufacturing facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam and a combined €1 billion of revenues (2022)

At Irca, we believe that diversity is not only a fundamental value but also a source of strength and innovation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, nationality, or any other dimension of diversity, feel welcomed, valued, and respected and encourage people of all natures to apply.

Purpose of Position:

•To lead the Quality department to success.

•To Drive the GMP standards to ensure all products manufactured comply with all food safety, quality and legal requirements

•You will be part of the Senior Leadership Team and report on your departments performance

•To be responsible for all quality related matters with our internal and external customers

•Lead your direct reports to effectively manage the Quality function

Food Safety

• Supporting the Quality Systems Manager in the sites HACCP, TACCP and VACCP programmer
• Working closely with the Quality Systems Manager and Hygiene Supervisor in the sites allergen management programme
• Management of food safety-based risk assessments with the Senior Food Manager.
• Completion of Weekly, Monthly and Annual food safety KPI’s

• Lead the sites external audits and visits, including 3rd party and customer
• Support the completion of the internal audit programme
• Support the closure of non-conformances raised through external or customer audits.

• Effectively manage any BOM or material changes in line with customer requirements
•  Control of Products
• Manage the authorization for any Shelf life extension requests and concessions, both for raw materials and finished product.
• Manage the process for the release of all raw materials and finished products

• Ensure the quality of product produced meets our specifications by (but not limited to):
• Ensuring sensory evaluation of product is completed
• QC checks are completed and accurately recorded in accordance to the procedure
• Microbiological and chemical testing is completed for non-batch and by batch customer requirements

• Conduct appraisals and regular 121 sessions with direct reports to support, coach and develop
• Conduct absence and conduct disciplinaries in-line with Irca Policies and Procedures
• Complete annual development plans with direct reports to support progression