Senior Food Safety Specialist (x/f/m)

Job Description

Job Description:

Senior Food Safety Specialist (x/f/m)

Join us full-time – position open for immediate start

Bruck an der Leitha (30 min from Vienna)

Mars is one of the world’s largest family-owned consumer goods companies, home to iconic brands like Royal Canin®, Pedigree®, Whiskas®, M&M’s®, and Ben’s Original®. With over 170,000 Associates worldwide, we’re driven by a clear purpose: to create a better world for people and pets. Our decisions are guided by The Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.

At our Royal Canin® site in Bruck an der Leitha (just 30 minutes from Vienna), more than 350 dedicated Associates work every day to produce tailored nutrition that supports the health and wellbeing of dogs and cats - in Austria and around the globe.

In this role, you are a key member of the Site Quality & Food Safety team, ensuring that our products are safe, compliant, and consistently high quality. You take ownership of our quality systems, drive food safety on site, and act as a key expert for audits, regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement. We are looking for an experienced quality professional from the food or FMCG industry who enjoys working hands-on in operations, collaborating across teams, and making a real impact on product safety and quality.

What are we looking for?

• You hold a degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or a related field
• You bring at least 3 years of experience in quality, food safety, or a similar role in the food or FMCG industry
• You have a solid understanding of food safety standards, hygiene requirements, and quality systems in manufacturing.
• Experience with audits, inspections, or working with regulatory requirements is an advantage
• You are fluent in German and confident working in English in an international and cross-functional environment
• You work in a structured, analytical, and solution-oriented way, with strong attention to detail
• You are a strong communicator who enjoys collaborating with different teams across production and support functions
• Experience with manufacturing environments or ERP systems is a plus

What will be your key responsibilities?

• You take ownership of the site quality system and ensure it is up to date, effective, and continuously improving
• You ensure all food safety and quality requirements from legal regulations and internal standards are met
• You prepare for and support internal and external audits and act as the main contact for auditors and authorities
• You lead food safety activities on site, including risk assessments and preventive measures
• You support and manage quality-related issues, deviations, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• You review and approve new materials and packaging from a quality and food safety perspective
• You work closely with production, engineering, maintenance, and central teams to improve processes and product quality
• You monitor quality performance and help drive improvements across the site
• You deliver trainings and build awareness for food safety and quality across all teams
• You act as a key site expert and contribute to continuous improvement projects and initiatives

What can you expect from Mars?

• Join a culture of support, flexibility, and inclusion, where your expertise and ideas make an impact
• Be part of a purpose-driven company that’s building a better world for people and pets
• A culture of support, flexibility, and inclusion – where your voice matters
• Dive into world-class learning from day one, including access to Mars University
• Fuel your day with healthy, freshly cooked meals at our onsite restaurant
• Flexible working models – plus our dog-friendly office
• A gross annual base salary starting at € 67.000,00 (full-time), plus company bonus - higher depending on experience
• A benefits package including a company pension plan
• Take advantage of global career opportunities within Mars
• Enjoy an Associate Assistance Program for mental health & coaching