Global FSQR Project & Portfolio Manager (100%) - Job Opportunity at Mevelin AG

Zurich, Switzerland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 1, 2025
On-site
CHF 120,000 - 160,000 per year, reflecting the premium compensation typical for senior-level FSQR roles in Switzerland's high-cost market, combined with the specialized nature of global project management in the food industry and the strategic importance of this position within a multinational FMCG organization

Key Responsibilities

Lead transformational FSQR programs across multiple regions, directly impacting global food safety standards and driving enterprise-wide compliance initiatives that protect millions of consumers worldwide
Execute comprehensive project lifecycle management for complex, multinational initiatives involving diverse stakeholder groups, regulatory environments, and cultural contexts
Build and orchestrate cross-functional teams spanning multiple continents to deliver strategic FSQR initiatives that align with corporate vision and drive competitive advantage
Optimize global FSQR project portfolios worth millions in investment, providing executive leadership with critical KPIs and strategic insights for decision-making
Drive organizational transformation through change management initiatives that standardize global FSQR practices and embed quality excellence into business operations
Serve as strategic FSQR consultant across diverse global projects, ensuring compliance with evolving international standards and regulatory requirements
Develop and empower global FSQR teams through comprehensive training programs that elevate organizational capability and embed quality culture

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Food Engineering/Food Science

Experience

5+ years' experience in food safety, quality systems, and project/program management

Required Skills

Several years Management experience Solid track record managing FSQR projects in multinational food industry environments Expertise in Total Cost of Quality Management and hygienic design Experience in Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Project and portfolio management — from strategy to execution FSQR process development, compliance, and performance tracking Advanced stakeholder and cross-functional communication Change management across diverse cultures and time zones Digital tool creation for quality performance monitoring Leadership and team empowerment in global matrix organizations English (fluent/professional proficiency) Strategic thinker with hands-on implementation focus Team-oriented with strong interpersonal and coaching capabilities High adaptability in complex, ambiguous, and fast-paced environments Curious, proactive learner with a drive for continuous improvement
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global FMCG industry is experiencing unprecedented regulatory complexity as governments worldwide implement stricter food safety standards, creating high demand for specialized FSQR professionals who can navigate multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements. This trend is particularly pronounced in Europe with the implementation of enhanced EU food safety regulations and in emerging markets where regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving. Digital transformation in food safety management is accelerating, with companies investing heavily in IoT sensors, blockchain traceability systems, and AI-powered quality monitoring platforms. Organizations are seeking professionals who can bridge traditional food science expertise with digital innovation capabilities to create competitive advantages through technology-enabled quality systems. Sustainability and environmental considerations are becoming integral to food safety and quality programs, as consumers and regulators demand greater transparency in supply chains. This convergence of ESG requirements with traditional FSQR mandates is creating new specialized roles that combine environmental stewardship with food safety excellence.

Role Significance

Typically manages matrix teams of 15-30 professionals across multiple regions and functions, with indirect influence over hundreds of FSQR staff globally through training, process development, and strategic guidance initiatives
Senior executive level position with significant strategic influence, evidenced by direct reporting to executive leadership, global scope of responsibilities, and authority over multi-million dollar project portfolios that directly impact corporate strategy and operational excellence across multiple regions

Key Projects

Implementation of global food safety management systems across 20+ manufacturing facilities spanning different regulatory jurisdictions Digital transformation initiatives integrating IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring systems across global supply chains Merger and acquisition integration projects requiring harmonization of different quality systems, regulatory compliance frameworks, and operational standards Crisis response and remediation programs addressing food safety incidents, product recalls, and regulatory enforcement actions

Success Factors

Exceptional cross-cultural leadership abilities combined with deep technical expertise in food science, enabling effective management of diverse, geographically dispersed teams while maintaining rigorous scientific standards and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions Strategic thinking capabilities that can translate complex regulatory requirements and technical food safety concepts into actionable business strategies, project plans, and organizational change initiatives that drive competitive advantage Advanced stakeholder management skills that can navigate complex organizational hierarchies, regulatory bodies, and external partners while building consensus around global quality standards and transformation initiatives Change management expertise specifically focused on global organizations, including the ability to overcome cultural resistance, align diverse operational practices, and embed new quality cultures across different regional markets and business units

Market Demand

High demand driven by increasing regulatory complexity, globalization of food supply chains, and the critical importance of food safety in protecting brand reputation and consumer trust in the competitive FMCG sector

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Master's degree in Food Engineering/Food Science is absolutely essential as it provides the fundamental technical knowledge required to understand complex food safety systems, regulatory requirements, and quality control processes that form the foundation of all FSQR initiatives. Without this background, it would be impossible to credibly lead technical teams or make informed decisions about food safety risks and mitigation strategies. Expertise in Total Cost of Quality Management and hygienic design represents specialized knowledge that directly impacts the financial performance and operational efficiency of food manufacturing operations. This expertise is critical for making strategic decisions about facility investments, process improvements, and risk management strategies that can save companies millions of dollars while ensuring consumer safety. Advanced stakeholder and cross-functional communication skills are essential for success in this role because the position requires building consensus among diverse groups including technical experts, regulatory authorities, executive leadership, and operational teams across different cultures and time zones. The ability to translate complex technical concepts into business language and vice versa is crucial for driving organizational alignment and project success.

Beneficial Skills

Additional language capabilities beyond English would provide significant advantages given the global nature of the role and the need to work effectively with teams across different cultural and linguistic contexts, particularly in European markets where multilingual abilities are highly valued Experience with digital transformation initiatives and emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and AI would be increasingly valuable as the food industry continues to evolve toward more technology-enabled quality and safety systems Understanding of sustainability and environmental regulations would provide additional strategic value as ESG considerations become increasingly integrated with traditional food safety and quality requirements in the global marketplace

Unique Aspects

This role represents a rare combination of strategic project management, technical food science expertise, and global transformation leadership, making it an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking to shape the future of food safety at an enterprise level
The position offers unique exposure to executive leadership decision-making processes and strategic planning in a multinational FMCG environment, providing invaluable experience for career advancement to C-suite roles
Switzerland's position as a hub for global food companies provides unparalleled networking opportunities and exposure to international best practices, regulatory developments, and industry innovations
The role's emphasis on digital transformation and technology integration positions the successful candidate at the forefront of industry evolution, combining traditional food science with cutting-edge technological solutions

Career Growth

3-5 years for progression to VP/Chief Officer roles given the strategic nature of current position, global scope of responsibilities, and the critical importance of FSQR expertise in senior leadership roles within the food industry

Potential Next Roles

Global Head of Food Safety and Quality, overseeing entire FSQR function for multinational food companies with responsibility for regulatory strategy, crisis management, and organizational capability development Chief Quality Officer positions in large FMCG organizations, with enterprise-wide responsibility for quality systems, brand protection, and regulatory compliance across all product categories and markets Vice President of Operations roles combining FSQR expertise with broader operational responsibility including supply chain management, manufacturing excellence, and sustainability initiatives Independent consulting practice specializing in FSQR transformation for multinational food companies, regulatory compliance strategy, and crisis management

Company Overview

Mevelin AG

Mevelin AG operates as a specialized executive search and consulting firm focusing on senior-level placements within the food and beverage industry, with particular expertise in regulatory, quality, and technical leadership roles. The firm maintains strong relationships with multinational FMCG companies and has established itself as a trusted partner for complex, specialized searches requiring deep industry knowledge and global reach.

Well-positioned boutique search firm with strong reputation in the European food industry market, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, known for successfully placing senior executives in challenging technical and regulatory roles within multinational organizations
Strategic location in Switzerland provides access to the headquarters of major global food companies while serving as a gateway to broader European markets, with particular strength in German-speaking markets and established relationships with both American and European multinational corporations
Professional, relationship-driven environment typical of boutique executive search firms, with emphasis on deep client partnership, thorough candidate assessment, and long-term relationship building rather than transactional recruitment practices
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