Food & Beverage Production
21 Jul
Lead Expert – Microbiology, Cleaning, Sanitation & Hygiene (Food Manufacturing
About Antal International
Antal International is a global executive recruitment and talent solutions company with over 30 years of experience and a presence in more than 35 countries. We specialize in recruiting professionals and leaders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Chemical, Life Sciences, Food, and Biotechnology industries. Our mission is to connect exceptional talent with leading international organizations through a professional and confidential recruitment process.
About the Company
Our client is a global science-based company recognized for its innovation in nutrition, health, and sustainable manufacturing. Operating worldwide with significant investment in research, technology, and industrial excellence, the company is committed to delivering high-quality products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and operational performance.
To strengthen its Quality Operations team at a strategic production site in Northern France, we are recruiting a Lead Expert – Microbiology, Cleaning, Sanitation & Hygiene.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Manager Quality – Operations, you will serve as the site's technical expert for microbiology, sanitation, hygiene, and cleaning validation.
You will play a key role in controlling microbiological risks, improving hygiene performance, leading root cause investigations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to support food safety across the manufacturing site.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and continuously improve the site's sanitation and hygiene program, including cleaning procedures, hygienic zoning, and cleaning validation.
Analyze microbiological data, identify trends, perform investigations, conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and implement effective corrective actions.
Manage the Environmental Monitoring Program and utility monitoring, ensuring deviations are investigated and resolved.
Lead continuous improvement projects related to hygienic design, CIP/SIP optimization, GMP/GHP practices, and sanitation effectiveness.
Conduct hygiene audits, pre-operational inspections, GMP assessments, and ensure compliance with internal and external food safety standards.
Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, R&D, and Product teams to support Management of Change, industrial trials, and technical projects affecting microbiological risk.
Promote a strong food safety and hygiene culture across the manufacturing organization.
Candidate Profile
Master degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
5–10 years of experience in food manufacturing with direct responsibility for microbiology, sanitation, hygiene, or cleaning validation.
Strong knowledge of cleaning chemistry, hygienic design, CIP/SIP systems, and sanitation validation methodologies.
Experience analyzing microbiological trends and identifying contamination sources within manufacturing environments.
Strong problem-solving and Root Cause Analysis capabilities.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and promote best practices in hygiene and food safety.
Structured, autonomous, and proactive working style.
Professional fluency in French and English.
What We Offer
A highly visible expert position within a global leader in food and life sciences.
The opportunity to shape hygiene and microbiological excellence at a strategic manufacturing site.
Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and international best practices.
A collaborative environment focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Long-term career development opportunities within a global organization.