Head of EMEA Quality & Food Safety

About the role

Huel is looking for a Head of EMEA Quality & Food Safety to lead its EMEA Quality & Food Safety (QFS) function and drive the regional QFS strategy across a complex, international manufacturing base. The role is based at the HQ in Tring, UK, with regular travel to co-manufacturing partners across the UK and EU and occasionally to Japan and other EMEA regions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the EMEA QFS function and take overall accountability for food safety and quality across all products and sites, including raw materials and co-manufacturing (RTD, powders, bars, hot & savoury).
• Build and develop a team of three direct reports and their teams, giving clear direction and ownership.
• Define the EMEA QFS strategy, set CPMU reduction targets and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with EMEA food safety regulations (BRC, FSSC 22000, SEDEX) and improve the Food Safety & Quality management systems (HACCP, VACCP, TACCP, GFSI).
• Oversee raw material suppliers and co-manufacturers and own the co-manufacturing performance strategy, including governance, KPIs and accountability.
• Lead regulatory and food safety risk assessments (heavy metals, pesticide residues, contaminants) and own the testing agenda for ingredients and finished products.
• Act as escalation point for food safety incidents and quality crises, and work with Product Supply, the Milton Keynes factory and Regulatory & Compliance on manufacturing controls and regulatory initiatives.

Required profile

• Proven QFS leader with 10+ years in the food industry (FMCG, manufacturing or retail).
• People leader able to build and develop multi-disciplinary technical teams across three direct report functions.
• Strong knowledge of EMEA food law, ingredients, nutrition and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with products like powders, dry mixes, RTD/aseptic bottling, canning, bars and hot & savoury in an EMEA manufacturing environment.
• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology or a related discipline.

Required skills

• Advanced HACCP qualifications and internal/lead auditor certification (FSSC 22000 or BRC) are a big plus.
• Understanding of allergen controls, testing methodologies and limits, and experience with third-party accreditation bodies.
• Ability to communicate with regulators, accreditation bodies and co-manufacturers and collaborate with NPD, Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement and Commercial/Marketing.

What we offer

• Hybrid working: office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with two days at home.
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and two weeks a year to work remotely from anywhere.
• Free Huel, dog-friendly workplace, paid volunteering days and a free on-site gym.