Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.
As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.
To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact
Click “Apply” to get started.
What will this role achieve?
The Global Head of Food Safety and Defence is accountable for protecting consumers and pladis global brands by leading the design, governance, and execution of global food safety and food defence programmes across all manufacturing plants, R&D facilities, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and distribution centres.
This role ensures that products are designed, manufactured and distributed safely, consistently, and in full compliance with global regulatory and customer expectations. It also provides strategic leadership to prevent, detect, and respond to intentional adulteration, tampering, extortion, and emerging threats.
The position acts as the organisation’s top subject matter expert (SME) in food safety science, microbiology, contaminants, toxicology, allergen management, hygiene, and food defence.
What will be your key deliverables?
Global Strategy & Governance
Develop and own the enterprise food safety and defence strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate vision, regulatory requirements, and GFSI schemes.
Establish global policies, standards, and performance indicators for food safety, hygiene, allergen control, traceability, and food defence.
Ensure integration of food safety and defence into innovation, supply chain, procurement, and operations decision-making.
Food Safety Systems & Compliance
Oversee global implementation of food safety systems including HACCP, environmental monitoring, allergen management, sanitation, and GMP compliance.
Develop global risk assessment frameworks for high-risk ingredients such as cocoa, milk powder, nuts, and flavourings.
Food Defence & Product Security
Coordinate with Security, Procurement, and Supply Chain to protect facilities, materials, people, and processes against intentional harm.
Oversee product security across all logistics channels, including co-manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution partners.
Incident Management & Crisis Response
Scientific Leadership & Innovation
Provide technical leadership on food safety science, microbiology, toxicology, allergens, and emerging risks.
Guide R&D and Operations on hygienic design, thermal processing, novel ingredients, and new technologies.
Talent, Training & Culture
External Engagement & Advocacy
Represent the company at global regulatory forums, food safety institutes, and industry alliances (e.g., GFSI, Codex-related work, regional regulators).
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Chemistry, Public Health, or related field; advanced degree (PhD or MBA) desirable.
Expertise in microbiology, toxicology, allergens, sanitation, and hygienic design.
Proficiency in food defence methodologies (TACCP/VACCP, FSMA IA Rule) and familiarity with digital food safety tools, traceability systems, and data analytics.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners effectively with Security, Supply Chain, Procurement, R&D, Legal, and Communications.
What does pladis offer you?
Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite
Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.
Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better
Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward
Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together
pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.
