Full Buy & Product Quality Lead

Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Full Buy & Product Quality Lead serves as a critical gatekeeper of product performance, ensuring that all products meet rigorous standards for safety, quality, and technical compliance. This role will lead quality verification efforts for both new and existing products, leveraging scientific methods and statistical analysis to deliver robust, data-driven insights. As the Lead within the Product Quality (PQ) Laboratory, this individual will prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and guide the team in executing high-impact analyses. The PQ Lab supports product development and continuous improvement by providing actionable data that informs product launches and optimizations.

Requirements

Degree from an accredited institution, science-based or related field
2+ years working in quality related field
Experience with laboratory techniques and equipment
Computer/quality systems background
Experience with computer systems and statistical software (preferably Excel, Power BI, Minitab)
Skilled at technical report writing
Effective written and verbal communication
Knowledge and understanding of manufacturing systems
Investigative problem-solving skills
Ability to meet deadlines
Self-motivated
Strong attention to detail

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert in statistical analysis and risk assessment to evaluate food system performance and ensure product integrity.
Lead technical testing and laboratory operations, managing workload, priorities, and team performance to meet quality standards and timelines.
Develop and present data-driven recommendations to cross-functional teams, offering technical solutions to improve product quality and food safety.
Represent the voice of the customer by conducting benchmark testing, defect classification, and establish performance targets for new and existing products.
Support consumer complaint investigations and field issue resolution by collaborating with manufacturing teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Continuously improve laboratory methodologies and uphold rigorous testing protocols by staying current with industry standards and best practices.
Define, verify, and validate test methods and equipment to ensure reliable, repeatable results in product development.
Build and manage relationships with internal and external laboratories (e.g., R&D, third-party, UK/IT) to expand testing capabilities and support business growth.
Apply advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to resolve complex product quality challenges.
Follow the New Product Development (NPD) process, including benchmarking, establishing baselines, setting quality targets.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g. Production, R&D, Customer Care, Quality) to align product specifications and quality requirements across coffee machines, food, and promotional items.
Maintain accurate records of product quality activities, performance trends, and improvement recommendations.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics, providing insights and reports to senior management.
Contribute to the ongoing evolution of the role through professional development and support of strategic initiatives.