Sr. Global Quality System and Methods Manager

About the role

As the FS Sr. Global Quality System and Methods Manager, you will ensure that the organization’s products and services meet Franke Foodservice Systems’ quality requirements, as well as comply with customer and regulatory standards. This role involves defining, implementing, and monitoring quality systems, methods (DMS, FMEA, 8D, etc.), and quality indicators across all production plants within the FS Franke Division.

Responsibilities

• Global responsibility for quality, including the development, maintenance, improvement, and monitoring of the quality management system and procedures to enhance production quality across all sites.
• Report to top management on the performance of the quality management system and recommend necessary improvements.
• Manage Quality employees in a matrix structure and provide technical leadership on operational quality issues in collaboration with divisional quality managers.
• Prioritize and raise awareness of global quality issues.
• Determine customer needs and continuously promote customer satisfaction, both internally and externally.
• Represent the company in quality-related matters with customers and external partners, including managing recourse and warranty scopes according to the escalation pyramid.
• Serve as the main contact for quality systems and methods for the Divisions.
• Establish a quality-oriented corporate culture by fostering awareness among all employees, from top management to the shop floor.
• Manage change processes by creating acceptance and aligning with corporate culture.
• Implement and execute innovative concepts to optimize processes and continuously improve quality using Lean methodologies (value stream design, problem-solving, CIP, shop floor management, SMED, TPM, 5S, 8D, etc.).
• Develop and implement a global CAQ system within Franke.
• Create and deploy programs to increase efficiency and quality in line with "Best in Class" Digitalization 4.0 standards.
• Ensure globally uniform procedures and methods for checking defined quality benchmarks, standards, and criteria.
• Implement the corporate strategy to harmonize processes across functions and segments.
• Conduct global training and coaching on quality systems, methods, and processes.
• Empower employees to foster a quality culture where they see themselves as part of a learning organization and independently improve processes.
• Plan and coordinate annual internal audits for quality assurance across all functions and locations.

Requirements

• Quality Tools & Continuous Improvement: Knowledge of standard quality methodologies and tools for root cause analysis and continuous improvement (CIP), including structured problem-solving approaches.
• Quality Assurance: Strong understanding of Quality Assurance principles such as SPC, Lean Management, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and related quality management system standards.
• Teamwork & Matrix Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within international teams and navigate a matrix organizational structure to achieve shared goals.
• Influence & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with and positively influence diverse groups while holding others accountable when necessary.
• Judgment & Objectivity: Demonstrates a sense of urgency and the ability to remain impartial, objective, and fair when evaluating issues or making decisions.
• Audit Management: Knowledge of IMS audit processes and requirements; certified auditor with experience managing integrated management system audits.
• Learning & Development: Strong organizational skills and commitment to continuous learning, including developing self and supporting the development of others.
• Customer Requirements: Awareness of customer standards and expectations within Food Services (preferred but not required).
• eIMS Management Review: Knowledge of eIMS management review processes and system expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8+ years of leadership experience within Quality functions in a production/manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating across functional, regional, and divisional teams.
• Strong project management expertise with a record of driving initiatives to completion.
• Highly proactive and self-directed working style.
• Ability to positively influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking skills.
• Proficiency in English and German (written and verbal).
• Completion of recognized leadership development courses or certifications.