Please send your CV in English

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a recognized global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality color cosmetics, skincare, hair care, bath & body care, and OTC products. As a trusted outsourcing partner to major international brands and trendsetters—across all distribution channels, from prestige to mass market—the company brings over 20 years of experience in delivering top-tier services, from bulk manufacturing to full turnkey solutions. With nearly 2,000 employees across Europe, the USA, and Asia, the company is currently undergoing strong growth and transformation.

???? THE ROLE: DIRECTOR OF QUALITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT – EUROPE

Our client is seeking a seasoned and pragmatic Quality leader with direct experience in cosmetics manufacturing to take on the role of Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement – Europe.

This highly visible, hands-on leadership position oversees and strengthens the quality operations across the company's European sites. As the main point of contact for customers on all quality-related matters, the role ensures compliance, operational consistency, and a strong culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Please note: Proven experience in the manufacturing of cosmetic products is mandatory—including familiarity with formulation, production processes, and specific regulatory frameworks such as ISO 22716. Candidates without direct cosmetics production experience will not be considered.

KEY OBJECTIVES

Operational Excellence and Compliance

• Lead the implementation of rigorous quality, safety, microbiology, and hygiene standards across production.
• Ensure full compliance with cosmetics regulations and exceed client quality expectations.
• Drive operational excellence through structured process improvement and waste reduction.

Team Leadership

• Build and lead high-performing European quality teams across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Align quality functions closely with R&D, supply chain, and operations.

Customer Satisfaction

• Act as the European quality ambassador to key accounts and partners.
• Lead audits, manage complaints, and implement client-driven improvement plans.
• Ensure customer trust through reliability, responsiveness, and high delivery standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and structured CI initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce non-conformities.
• Support the company’s industrial transformation by modernizing tools, methods, and systems.
• Monitor quality KPIs and deliver cost, time, and defect reduction targets.

Governance & Process Discipline

• Define and enforce clear quality standards, procedures, and control points across all European sites.
• Oversee audits, CAPA, FMEA, risk assessments, crisis management, and product recall processes.
• Ensure consistency and scalability of quality practices across the network.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and implement the European quality strategy in alignment with ISO 22716, IFS, and GMP requirements.
• Oversee Quality Assurance across production, suppliers, and NPD processes.
• Drive quality performance using actionable KPIs and operational dashboards.
• Lead internal and external audits, ensure timely closure of findings and full regulatory readiness.
• Manage product complaints, recalls, and crisis responses with transparency and rigor.
• Coordinate quality resources across multiple countries, balancing local adaptability with global standards.
• Foster a mindset of innovation and accountability within plant and corporate teams.

PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Industrial Quality, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a cosmetics manufacturing environment (B2B or B2C).
• Strong track record managing compliance in regulated environments, ideally within a CDMO or OEM context.

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of cosmetics production processes, formulation controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven understanding of ISO 22716, GMP, microbiology, document control, and supplier QA.
• Experience implementing and managing Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent CI methodologies.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Inspiring and hands-on leadership style; able to drive alignment across diverse teams and countries.
• Strong communicator, capable of engaging both operational teams and executive stakeholders.
• Pragmatic, analytical, and comfortable in high-pressure or evolving environments.
• Self-driven with a high sense of ownership and problem-solving mindset.

Languages

• Fluent in English (mandatory).
• Proficiency in at least one additional European language (Italian, German, or Polish preferred).

WHY JOIN OUR CLIENT?

• Be at the core of a strategic transformation in a fast-growing global cosmetics manufacturer.
• Shape the future of quality and performance across a European industrial network.
• Work closely with top global brands in a dynamic and multicultural setting.
• Enjoy real decision-making autonomy and direct access to senior leadership.
• Play a key role in scaling a new European production facility from the ground up.

Location: Italy (Milan area) with frequent travel across Europe.

Salary: Approx. €90,000 gross annual salary + 10% performance bonus.

Please send your CV in English