QA Process Implementation Consultant

We are seeking an experienced QA Process Implementation Consultant to support a rapidly developing vertical farming business in the Netherlands. The consultant will provide additional capacity to the existing team and take a hands-on role in setting up, implementing and embedding a robust Quality Management System (QMS) across the operation. This is an ideal opportunity for a senior QA professional who enjoys working in a start-up/scale-up environment where processes and systems are still being developed.

Key responsibilities include: reviewing and assessing existing quality processes, documentation and controls; designing and implementing a practical Quality Management System; developing SOPs, work instructions, quality procedures and supporting documentation; establishing processes for quality control, traceability, non-conformance and CAPA; implementing quality controls across growing, harvesting, packing and production activities; identifying quality risks, process gaps and areas for improvement; developing appropriate QA KPIs and reporting; working closely with production, operations, R&D and other stakeholders; conducting root-cause analysis and supporting corrective actions; supporting the business in meeting relevant food safety, quality and customer requirements; helping prepare the operation for future customer, regulatory and certification audits; training and coaching internal teams on new quality processes; ensuring the QMS is practical, scalable and embedded into day-to-day operations.

Required experience: strong background in Quality Assurance / Quality Management Systems; demonstrable experience implementing or building quality systems from the ground up; experience within food production, fresh produce, FMCG, agriculture, horticulture or another relevant production environment; strong knowledge of SOPs, process mapping, CAPA, non-conformance and root-cause analysis; understanding of food safety and quality standards; ability to operate hands-on within a production environment; strong communication and stakeholder management skills; comfortable working independently and taking ownership of deliverables.

Desirable experience: vertical farming or controlled environment agriculture (CEA); horticulture or greenhouse production; fresh produce; HACCP; BRCGS / IFS; ISO 9001 / ISO 22000; food safety and traceability systems; quality management software or digital traceability platforms; experience supporting certification or customer audits.

Key objectives: establish a clear and structured QMS framework; identify and close existing quality gaps; standardise critical operational processes; implement appropriate QA controls and documentation; establish effective non-conformance and CAPA processes; improve traceability and quality reporting; develop quality KPIs and management reporting; prepare the organisation for future audits and certification requirements; transfer knowledge and capability to the permanent team.