Position Summary:In this highly visible role, you will help ensure Quality and Food Safety by Design throughout the Idea-to-Launch (I2L) process by providing scientific and technical leadership on chemical contaminant risks in both ingredients and finished products. You will serve as a trusted expert and challenger across functions, driving a zero-defect mindset as the foundation of Quality by Design and safeguarding consumer trust in Nestlé products.
You will define and maintain contaminant limits within Raw Material Product Specifications (RMPS) and support Strategic Business Units and Quality Management teams in establishing and maintaining finished product specifications. This work is critical to ensuring consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and protecting Nestlé's reputation for quality.
As the Subject Matter Expert and Issue Manager for key contaminants, including mycotoxins, heavy metals, mineral oils, 3-MCPDE/GE, plasticizers, pesticides, and PFAS, you will lead risk assessments, investigate emerging issues, and provide expert guidance across the organization. You will also contribute to the advancement of innovative tools and databases, including the Next-GEN TIC contaminant database and SAP Recipe by Design Contaminant Tool (Project FACE), helping shape the future of contaminant risk management.
This role offers the opportunity to proactively identify and monitor emerging risks through risk screening and horizon scanning, develop and author global standards and guidelines, and drive continuous improvement in food safety practices. Success in this position requires a passion for scientific excellence, strong collaboration skills, and a commitment to building and sharing expertise across factories, markets, and business units worldwide.
Key Responsibilities: - Support Quality Specialists throughout the Idea-to-Launch (I2L) process by providing expertise on chemical contaminant-related issues.
- Define contaminant limits within Raw Material Product Specifications (RMPS) and provide expert support to SBU Quality Management teams on contaminant limits for finished products. Assess new and novel ingredients within I2L and perform risk assessments for non-compliant products, including Technical Assessments (TA), Food Safety Concerns (FOC), exceptional releases, and derogations.
- Maintain the Next-GEN TIC database for assigned spend categories.
- Drive contaminant risk mitigation initiatives in collaboration with R&D, Operations, and Suppliers, particularly within the I2L process.
- Conduct proactive horizon scanning, web scouting, and early warning signal management to identify emerging risks.
- Serve as Issue Manager for assigned contaminants within the Group Issue Management Board (IMB).
- Independently author, update, and maintain Nestlé Standards and Guidelines related to chemical contaminants.
- Provide technical expertise and support on chemical contaminant-related issues across the organization.
- Deliver training and capability-building programs on chemical contaminants for Markets, Factories, Strategic Business Units (SBUs), and R&D teams.
- Mentor and develop Quality Specialists to strengthen technical expertise and knowledge sharing.
- Contribute to Quality by Design (QbD) culture initiatives that promote continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement by challenging existing practices and embracing a disruptive, forward-thinking mindset.
- Demonstrate resilience and adaptability when navigating complex situations, including crises and escalations.
- Maintain a lifelong learning mindset by staying current on scientific advancements, industry trends, and regulatory developments.
- Generate insights through critical thinking and translate findings into meaningful business actions.
- Take full ownership of assigned contaminant topics, leading initiatives from identification through resolution.
- Build and maintain trusted partnerships with R&D, Operations, SBUs, and Suppliers to drive business success.
- Lead and support development initiatives for both individual and team growth.
- Learn quickly from successes and setbacks, sharing key learnings to strengthen organizational capability.
- Foster positive and collaborative relationships across functions, locations, and organizational levels.
- Recognize achievements, share ideas, and contribute energy and enthusiasm to support team success.
Experience & Education Requirements:- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Food Engineering, Toxicology, or a related scientific field.
- 5-8 years of experience in the food industry within Quality, Food Safety, Analytical Chemistry, or Toxicology, with expertise in contaminants such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, process contaminants, mineral oils, pesticides, PFAS, and packaging migrants.
- Experience working across the end-to-end value chain, including R&D, Operations, Suppliers, and Markets.
- Hands-on experience with tools and systems such as Next-GEN TIC, GARD, RASFF, RMPS, CSP, HACCP, NesTest, and Digicomply.
- Strong understanding of risk-based decision making, including technical assessments, crisis support, exceptional releases, and derogations.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams, projects, or working groups in a global environment.
- Knowledge of Nestlé's Quality Management System (NQMS), Quality & Food Safety Policy, and the Idea-to-Launch (I2L) process and stage gates.
- Familiarity with food safety and quality standards, including Foodstuff Specifications, RMPS, HACCP, CSP, and chemical contaminant-related standards and guidelines.
- Expertise in analytical chemistry techniques, including LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS.
- Strong knowledge of toxicology and safety assessment methodologies, including HBGV, ADI, TDI, BMDL, and Margin of Exposure (MoE).
- Understanding of global food safety regulations and standards, including Codex, EU Regulation 2023/915, U.S. FDA requirements, China GB standards, and infant nutrition regulations.
- Experience applying qualitative and quantitative risk assessment frameworks.
- Knowledge of contaminant mitigation strategies across suppliers, raw materials, manufacturing processes, and product formulations.
- Awareness of consumer perceptions, NGO activities, and reputational risks related to chemical contaminants.
- Strong commitment to Nestlé Corporate Business Principles, with particular emphasis on Quality Assurance and Product Safety.
- Proficiency in English, both written and verbal; additional languages are a plus.
- Demonstrated coaching, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing skills.
Core Competencies- Quality by Design: Food Safety & Compliance.
- Cost of Non-Quality Reduction and a Zero-Defect Mindset.
- Quality Strategy Deployment and Culture Building.
- Material, Product, and Process Mastery and Technology Transfer.
- Innovation through Science and Technology.
- Consumer and Business Insight Translation.
- Operational Excellence and Execution.
- Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement methodologies (DMAIC).
Leadership & Personal Attributes- Scientific rigor balanced with practical business judgment.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts.
- Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and initiative.
- Curious and proactive mindset focused on prevention rather than correction.
- Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
- Strong networking and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across cultures, functions, and time zones.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Team-oriented approach with a demonstrated ability to build trust, influence others, and foster collaboration.
Salary: $102,297.33 to $140,128.65 per year
Bonus Eligibility: Yes
The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.
Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits
