Senior Quality Specialist

The Senior Quality Specialist is responsible for driving and maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across all cilantro stores operations. This role acts for quality assurance and food safety, leading audits, root-cause investigations, supplier evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Senior Quality Specialist works closely with the QA & FS Manager, operations teams, and external suppliers to embed a culture of quality throughout the business.RESPONSIBILITIESQuality Assurance & Food Safety • Develop, implement, and maintain HACCP plans, quality control procedures, and food safety management systems (e.g., ISO 22000, FSSC 22000). • Conduct regular internal audits, inspections, and product evaluations to verify compliance with company standards and local/international food safety regulations. • Investigate customer complaints and non-conformances; lead root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes. • Support in supplier audits when required.Process & Continuous Improvement • Identify quality gaps and drive continuous improvement projects using data-driven tools. • Develop and update SOPs, work instructions, and quality checklists; ensure documentation is current and accessible. • Analyse quality data and KPI trends, preparing regular reports for the QA & FS Manager.Training & Culture • Deliver food safety and quality training programmes for new hires and refresher sessions for existing staff. • Coach and mentor operations teams on best practices.Regulatory & Compliance • Stay current with food safety legislation and industry trends; update internal policies accordingly. • Coordinate third-party audits, health inspections, and certification renewals; act as the primary contact for regulatory bodiesREQUIREMENTSEducation: • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Vet.Medicine, or a related discipline (required). • Postgraduate qualification or professional certification in food safety or quality management is an advantage.Certifications (preferred): • HACCP certitifcation. • Internal Auditor certification (ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 / BRC).Experience: • Minimum 1–3 years of progressive experience in quality assurance or food safety within the food & beverage or hospitality industry. • Demonstrated experience leading HACCP studies, internal audits, and CAPA processes. • Coffee industry or QSR (quick-service restaurant) background is an advantage.