R&D and Quality Manager

Welcome to Syros 

For over 30 years, Syros has been the European reference for avocado products. With production sites in Wingene and Ostend and a team of 47 employees, we bring the tastiest avocado creations to the European retail and food service market. Since January 1st, Syros has been part of the Westfalia Fruit Group. We are an ambitious company with a core (literally 🥑) and are now looking for a driven R&D and Quality Manager to join our team.  

What will you do at Syros? 

As R&D and Quality Manager, you will be part of our management team and will be responsible for leading a dynamic team of 5 (3 people in Quality and 2 people in R&D). You have the ultimate responsibility for the creation of new products, the optimisation of existing product lines, and ensuring the quality and safety of our food products. You will work closely with the production, supply chain and sales departments to develop innovative and qualitative products that meet the needs of our established customers. 

• Team Leadership: Manage and coach the Research & Development Quality and Innovation Engineers, fostering a positive team environment and overseeing daily operations and quality control processes. 

• Innovation & Product Development: Drive creativity by translating new product ideas into scalable, cost-optimised products, and lead the development of new culinary avocado products from concept to launch. You'll also draft product specifications, prepare quality audits, inspect reference samples, and train your colleagues.

• NPD Management: Oversee the full New Product Development (NPD) process, collaborating closely with Production, Quality, and Sales teams to ensure timely, specification-compliant product launches. 
• Perform QA and QC tasks for incoming raw materials, in-process checks, and finished product inspections and advise on the selection of high-quality suppliers.

• Quality Assurance & Optimisation: Ensure compliance with food safety standards (HACCP, BRC, IFS), lead audits and inspections, monitor product quality during development and production, and drive continuous process improvements. 

• Collaboration & Communication: Serve as the link between R&D, Production, Quality Control, and Sales, while maintaining regular updates to the Marketing Manager on R&D progress. 

• Budget & Planning: Manage the R&D & Quality budget, plan trial productions, and ensure proper documentation and reporting. 

Requirements

Who are we looking for? 

A passion for avocados and a positive mindset is a must. Do you also recognise yourself in the profile below?  

• Master's degree in bio-sciences, food science or similar. 

• Extensive Research & Development & Quality experience within a production environment in the food industry. 

• Mother tongue/native level fluency with Dutch and English. Additional European languages (French) would be highly beneficial. 

• Experience in igniting creativity and steering a team towards results. 

• Strong analytical skills, practical attitude and problem-solving ability. 

• Experience with quality standards and the use of different production processes. 

• Affinity with innovation, nutrition and avocados. 

Benefits

What do you get in return? 

We value your efforts, and we show it not only with words but also with actions. 

• You receive an attractive salary, tailored to your education and experience. 

• You work full-time with flexible hours. 

• The extensive package of extra-legal benefits includes many vacation days, hospitalisation and group insurance, a mobile phone, meal vouchers, and eco vouchers. 

• You get a versatile job with impact, a lot of independence, and growth opportunities. 

• You can take home dips, avocado bowls, and many other avocado treats. 

• Even outside the workplace, the #guacsquad is a close-knit and fun group. From the annual team building to jogging in the forests of Wingene, playing padel, or the legendary football tournaments. And of course, the fun lunch breaks. 

SYROS DNA 

I MAKE IT HAPPEN 

a. I TAKE OWNERSHIP 

I am accountable and dedicated, taking ownership to ensure commitment and consistency. Staying committed, I can make confident decisions and maintain the momentum needed to achieve our Guacsquad goals. 

b. FOCUS TO GET THINGS DONE GOOD AND FAST 

My primary focus is on delivering quality results efficiently. I prioritize what really matters and proactively overcome obstacles. I strive to streamline work processes, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and time-wasting activities. 

C. I AM THE CUSTOMER. 

I actively listen to and value customer feedback. I prioritize customer satisfaction and strive for their happiness. I continuously learn from insights and input, using it to improve our products to make food happen where life happens. 

D.CELEBRATE EVERY SUCCESS, big or small. 

I believe in collaboration and being decisive also creates success. I create opportunities for Guacsquad fun. I appreciate the contributions of each team member, and believe in being a supportive and essential team player. 

Ready to take your next step with us? Apply today to join our team of avocado enthusiasts and help shape the future of Syros.