Job offer: Barry Callebaut – Quality Stream Leader.

Barry Callebaut: A Global Leader in Chocolate Manufacturing

Barry Callebaut, a leading Belgian-Swiss chocolate manufacturer, was formed in 1996 through the merger of Belgium’s Callebaut and France’s Cacao Barry, under the vision of Klaus Johann Jacobs. With headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, Barry Callebaut has established itself as the world’s largest producer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, catering to the business-to-business food sector across more than 40 countries.

Join Barry Callebaut as a Quality Stream Leader

We are looking for a Quality Stream Leader to join our team. This role is critical to upholding the company’s high standards for quality and food safety, playing a vital part in our mission to shape the future of the cocoa and chocolate industry through sustainability and innovation.

About Barry Callebaut

At Barry Callebaut, we strive to lead the industry by crafting exceptional chocolate and cocoa products while championing sustainable practices. We operate globally, with a workforce of over 12,000 passionate employees. Our commitment to excellence drives us to improve communities through ethical business practices and sustainable development. By joining our team, you become part of a company that is making a lasting impact.

Position: QA Stream Leader

• Location: Douala, Cameroon
• Department: Quality Assurance
• Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager

Role Overview

The QA Stream Leader is responsible for managing all Quality Assurance (QA) activities, ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards. This role involves the effective use of resources to prioritize quality and food safety programs such as sampling, surveillance, and monitoring to meet both internal and external quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Quality Assurance & Food Safety Management Systems (QA&FSMS): Establish guidelines, procedures, and SOPs in line with corporate quality standards and local regulations.
• Day-to-Day QA & Food Safety Operations: Ensure professional service delivery to internal customers and intervene directly in resolving complex quality issues.
• Cross-Department Coordination: Work closely with other departments, especially operations, to ensure seamless QA&FSMS integration.
• Training and Coaching: Guide and train the stream team on all quality-related matters to maintain high performance and motivation.
• Manage Change in QA&FSMS: Lead the implementation of system changes, including documentation of new procedures and processes.
• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA): Oversee CAPA initiatives following audits and quality visits, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Support Research & Development (R&D): Collaborate with R&D on new product development and recipe transfers.
• Reduce Product Rework and Customer Complaints: Work with the production team to minimize product rework and improve customer satisfaction.
• Team Development: Identify and address training needs to ensure staff readiness in achieving quality objectives.
• Disciplinary Actions: Administer necessary actions in consultation with the Human Resources Department.

Job Requirements

• 100% on-site position based in Douala, Cameroon.
• Strong leadership in QA and food safety operations with a focus on compliance and process improvement.

Why Join Barry Callebaut?

By joining Barry Callebaut, you become part of a global network of professionals committed to sustainability, innovation, and quality excellence. We are proud of our legacy and continuously seek talented individuals to help us shape the future of the chocolate industry.

About You

Education, Language, Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Quality Management, Food Technology and Processing, Food Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Microbiology.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in Quality & Food Safety Management Systems within the food industry, with a focus on food safety operations leadership.
• Fluent in English with excellent speaking and writing abilities.
• Experience in cocoa processing is preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Certifications or training in FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, Leadership, and Project Management are required.
• Strong leadership skills with an open-minded attitude, eager to learn and share knowledge.
• Excellent team spirit, problem-solving abilities, and strong skills in project management, change management, and solution orientation.
• Ability to lead teams to achieve objectives aligned with the company’s strategy and vision.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and is committed to delivering results.

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in Quality & Food Safety Management in the food industry or food safety operations leadership.
• Solid understanding of the food processing industry, Food Safety Defense, and HACCP principles.
• Strong customer orientation with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Experience in coaching and leading teams in quality management systems.
• Proficiency in MS Office, with advanced skills in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to write comprehensive reports.
• Knowledge of SAP and Maximo applications is an advantage.

Personal Attributes & Attitude

• Ability to assess plant compliance with food safety standards and take corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• Capable of proposing and defending quality initiatives in collaboration with the Site QA Manager regarding food safety and quality matters.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and work well under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a strong sense of integrity and professionalism.

At Barry Callebaut, we are deeply committed to Diversity & Inclusion. Our company thrives on the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our team members. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves, grow to their full potential, and feel a sense of belonging.

#oneBC – Diverse People, Sustainable Growth

Location: Douala, CM, BP 570