Quality Innovation Coordinator

ICE CREAM IS LOOKING FOR Quality Innovation Coordinator

Location:  Rotterdam (Move to Ice Cream HQ, Amsterdam)

Local conditions apply

Full-time

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will first consider candidates based in the Netherlands. If you are based outside of the Netherlands and you are interested to apply, please feel free to do so but we can only take your application on if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the Netherlands.

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. 

ABOUT ICE CREAM: Life Tastes Better With Ice Cream

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.

Quality Innovation Coordinator plays a crucial role in embedding a strong culture of quality and digital transformation, ensuring data-driven decision-making to enhance product experience, compliance, and operational efficiency. 

This role focuses on developing, implementing, and managing quality improvements in disruptive and critical innovation projects while using digital transformation as an enabler. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities in quality compliance, analyse quality metrics to identify trends and stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies through leveraging digital tools, AI-driven analytics, and automation solutions to optimize quality compliance, process efficiency, and consumer satisfaction. Providing training and support to R&D and Brand teams, ensuring alignment on quality innovation initiatives, and create smart insights leveraging on data coming from multiple system and being able to implement digital solutions to collect, and analyse data to drive better quality and high-level productivity. Additionally, you will foster a culture of continuous improvement and ensure projects comply with relevant regulations and food safety requirements. 

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE?

• Implement, manage, and optimize quality improvements in disruptive and critical innovation projects by leveraging digital tools, AI-driven analytics, and automation solutions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities in quality compliance, food safety, and product quality, integrating predictive analytics and digital dashboards.

• Analyse quality metrics and performance data using Power BI, SQL, and machine learning models to identify trends, optimize decision-making, and drive continuous improvement. 

• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to quality management, automation, quality monitoring, and AI-driven food safety innovations. 

• Provide training and support to R&D and Brand teams, equipping them with digital tools and process automations to enhance food safety, compliance, and product quality.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on quality innovation initiatives, using real-time dashboards, automated workflows, and data-driven insights.

• Prepare and present reports on quality innovation outcomes, integrating Power BI Scorecards, Right First-Time analytics, PQS, and PLE dashboards to provide clear visibility on performance with maximum integration and minimum manual work.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, embedding data-driven decision-making and predictive quality control across operations 

• Ensure projects comply with relevant regulations and food safety requirements. 

EXPERIENCE YOU SHOULD HAVE/THE QUALITIES WE LOOK FOR

SKILLS:    

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

• Proactive approach: Anticipating potential quality issues, implementing preventive measures, and continuously seeking opportunities for improvement utilising real-time monitoring, cloud-based dashboards, and digital workflows.

• Analytical skills: Utilize Power BI, SQL, and machine learning models to monitor quality metrics, identify trends, and improve overall product quality

• Problem-solving abilities: Expertise in troubleshooting quality issues using data science, automation, and root cause analysis techniques.  

EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards: Ensuring compliance with regulations such as HACCP, FSSC22000, and local food labeling requirements. 

• Proven experience in quality management within Food companies. 

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in quality/factory/ R&D. 

• Experience in virtual teamwork. 

• Proven experience in leveraging digital transformation for quality management, including the use of Power BI, Power Automate, and AI-driven analytics to enhance product quality and compliance.

• Strong expertise in data integration, governance, and automation, using SQL, Azure Machine Learning, to optimize quality decision-making.

• Experience implementing real-time monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and automated workflows to improve efficiency in quality operations.

• Ability to develop and manage cloud-based solutions and digital dashboards for quality performance tracking and regulatory compliance.

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. 

WHAT DOES UNILEVER OFFER/WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!

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

• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.

• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.

• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.

• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40%-60% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate.  For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office , you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products.

• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products. 

• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).

• Home work allowance

• Company laptop and mobile phone

• Green Mobility Policy.   

EXCITED?

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  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.

Looking forward to meeting you! 

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

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

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.

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