Quality Lead- North American, NJ

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the biggest tea business in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG Tips and Pukka. As Lipton Teas and Infusions we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions (formally ekaterra) business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, Lipton T&I is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries.

At LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive. Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Job Title: North America Quality Lead

Job Status: Full-time

Work location: Hoboken, NJ

Travel: Limited

Your role

The North America Quality Lead works in a Market and Sourcing Unit Organization and reports hierarchically to the Suffolk factory Director and functionally to the Global Head of Quality in Lipton Teas & Infusions.

North American Quality Lead manages Quality Strategy and application for 200+ employees including the 24/7 operation (in Suffolk, VA).

The role provides leadership and support in all aspects of Quality Management, to include standard setting and enforcing, program definition, compliance checking and reporting for Market and Sourcing Unit.

The North American Quality Lead implements specifications, standards and Quality Management System (QMS) for quality assurance and controls in alignment with applicable regulatory requirements for sites, entities and locations that fall under the E2E umbrella such as distribution centers, third party manufacturers, re-packers and the manufacturing site in Suffolk, VA. This key role ensures systems are in place to comply with local regulatory requirements and drives site Quality improvement activities to ensure product consumer safety, overall quality, and addresses consumer/customer issues.

This role monitors and processes quality data and information used to prepare decisions that directly impact the Quality performance of the E2E value chain of Lipton Teas & Infusions.  It therewith supports the ability and capability of Lipton Teas & Infusions to deliver and improve consumer safety and quality of products in the marketplace, protecting Lipton Teas & Infusions’ reputation and brand equity.

Your key responsibilities:

As the North America Quality Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS) assuring consumer safety and the overall quality of the final product. You will collaborate cross functionally and across all levels of the organization as a subject matter expert on quality procedures and regulatory requirements to ensure product quality.

You will guide the team on loss prioritization and elimination. You will provide leadership to influence Quality and Food Safety culture through activities to create passion for all brands, visibility for quality, and coaching of leadership.

Responsibilities include: Team development and management; supplier quality management (incoming materials and outgoing materials to 3PMs); quality systems management, HAACP and Preventative Controls, sanitation management, testing, and measurement.

As North America Quality Lead, you will

• Monitor and report Market Unit quality performance including KPIs such as CCPMU, Incidents, and Quality Business Waste – and work with the relevant functions/units to initiate improvement where needed
• Lead North America Market Product Incident management in Lipton Teas & Infusions for marketplace incidents and follows up on actions
• Provide expertise, leadership and support in Quality management for resolution of Quality issues in re-packers, assemblers, promotion suppliers, customers and distributors within the Market Unit
• Propose mechanisms and processes to monitor conformance to global quality standards, requirements, and food safety culture of third-party manufacturers (3PMs), third party logistics providers, re-packers, and distributors in the market unit
• Lead or support external certification audits for her/his market unit
• Work closely with scientific/regulatory affairs to ensure compliance to regulation in the market unit
• Provide quality input for any import / export activities

Quality Linkage

• Connects cross-functionally within Lipton Teas & Infusions (with Supply Chain, R&D, Brand, and Sales) to ensure awareness of the content of the company QMS at all levels
• Interface with customer / consumer care lines for alert trigger

Stakeholder Management and key interfaces

• Serve as an extended team member at Americas Supply Chain leadership meetings 
• Global Quality Team member
• Member of the Suffolk Leadership Team

Skills and experience:

• University degree in general sciences or technical discipline
• Minimum 10 year of relevant experience in quality roles at regional/global level
• Quality expertise in operations and/or go to market
• Depth of experience within food as minimum, expertise in tea is a plus
• Cross functional influencing
• Ability to work independently in a virtual (global) environment
• Proven and recognized achievements in risk and change management
• High level of energy
• Excellent organizational skills
• Digital savviness
• Fluent in English

A Great Place to Grow 

Here at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we grow a world of wellbeing to generate value for all. 

• Grow your LEADERSHIP – Thought leader or people leader, we want to help you to truly realise your potential. With a strong internal nurturing network and a focus on your development, you can grow your leadership with us. When you grow, the world around you will grow.
• Grow your VALUE - To foster your learning, we offer big, fulfilling roles within an empowering and entrepreneurial climate. You will have the space to take ownership and to make your mark – and you will be rewarded for the value that you create.
• Grow your IMPACT – We are unique in our industry - from our tea estates to our factories, labs and offices, we innovate sustainably and drive value for all. We grow a world of wellbeing, from seed to sip. You can truly leave your mark on our company and on the planet -through the meaningful work that you do. 

Benefits & Perks 

• Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance
• 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Accounts
• Generous time off including paid vacation, company holidays, and floating holidays
• Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary
• Learning and development reimbursement

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.