Senior Chemical Contaminant Risk Specialist – Hybrid

About the role

In this highly visible position you will ensure Quality and Food Safety by Design throughout the Idea‑to‑Launch (I2L) process, providing scientific and technical leadership on chemical contaminant risks in both ingredients and finished products.

Key responsibilities

• Support Quality Specialists during the I2L process with expertise on chemical contaminant issues.
• Define and maintain contaminant limits in Raw Material Product Specifications and finished‑product specifications.
• Maintain the Next‑GEN TIC database for assigned spend categories.
• Drive contaminant risk‑mitigation initiatives in collaboration with R&D, Operations and Suppliers.
• Conduct proactive horizon scanning, web scouting and early‑warning signal management.
• Serve as Issue Manager for assigned contaminants on the Group Issue Management Board.
• Author and update Nestlé standards and guidelines related to chemical contaminants.
• Provide technical expertise, training and capability‑building across markets, factories and SBUs.
• Mentor Quality Specialists and contribute to a Quality‑by‑Design culture.
• Lead cross‑functional projects, manage crises and generate actionable insights.

Required profile

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Toxicology or a related scientific field.
• 5‑8 years of experience in food‑industry Quality, Food Safety, Analytical Chemistry or Toxicology with focus on contaminants such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, PFAS, pesticides, etc.
• Hands‑on experience with tools and systems including Next‑GEN TIC, GARD, RASFF, RMPS, CSP, HACCP, NesTest and Digicomply.
• Proven ability to conduct risk‑based decision making, technical assessments, crisis support and derogations.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams in a global environment.
• Knowledge of Nestlé Quality Management System, I2L process and relevant food‑safety standards.

Required skills

• Next‑GEN TIC, GARD, RASFF, RMPS, CSP, HACCP, NesTest, Digicomply, SAP Recipe by Design Contaminant Tool (Project FACE).
• Analytical techniques: LC‑MS/MS, GC‑MS/MS, ICP‑MS.
• Risk assessment frameworks and toxicology assessment methods (HBGV, ADI, TDI, BMDL, MoE).
• Understanding of global regulations: Codex, EU Regulation 2023/915, U.S. FDA, China GB standards.