Director, Operational Audit (SHE Lead)

Join dsm-firmenich as Director, Operational Audit (SHE Lead)

In the Group Audit (GA) department, alongside internal auditors, a dedicated team of seasoned experts conducts Operational Quality and SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) reviews across various global entities. This standalone team reports directly to the Head of GA and collaborates closely with GOE (Global Operational Excellence) SHE and Quality functions.

As a Director, Operational Audit (SHE Lead), you will lead and support these reviews within dsm-firmenich to ensure that our high standards in Quality and SHE are consistently met. Your expertise and auditing skills will provide valuable insights and help strengthen risk controls.

An assignment in GA offers a rewarding and broadening development opportunity. Auditors typically stay within GA for 2 to 4 years. This role is ideal for individuals with strong management potential and recent operational experience, who are also willing to travel approximately 30–40% of their working time.

The position can be located in any region but close to a dsm-firmenich location.

Please note: this is an individual contributor role with no direct reports. However, strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural communication skills are essential to succeed in this position.

Your key responsibilities

• Conduct independent, global reviews across various entities to assess adherence to Quality and SHE standards and collaborate with internal stakeholders such as GOE SHE and Quality teams to ensure alignment and leverage subject matter expertise.
• Apply auditing expertise and operational insight to identify risks, evaluate controls, and deliver actionable recommendations for process and organizational improvements.
• Develop clear reports and improvement plans, and share findings, lessons learned, and best practices with key stakeholders across dsm-firmenich to support continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and stakeholder engagement, adapting communication and audit approaches to diverse cultural and organizational contexts to build trust and ensure effective collaboration.
• Foster organizational learning by contributing to the development of audit methodology, tools, and knowledge-sharing practices that enhance audit quality and impact.
• Travel approximately 30–40% of the time to conduct audits on site and assessments at sites globally.

We bring

• A flexible work environment that empowers individuals to take ownership of their work and be accountable for outcomes.
• A collaborative culture that celebrates shared success, encourages teamwork, and uplifts colleagues through mutual support.
• Engagement with diverse stakeholders throughout the review process—from preparation and execution to reporting and driving improvement actions.
• Opportunities for growth through a culture that supports curiosity, continuous learning, and an open mindset.
• Exposure to a broad network of professionals in Quality and SHE, fostering cross-functional learning and collaboration.
• An excellent platform for professional development, offering valuable experience and preparation to advance your career path.

You bring

• Versatility or experience in risk-based auditing and reporting, with the ability to assess operational controls and identify improvement opportunities.
• Extensive knowledge of SHE and Quality management practices and systems and a minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in these domains within an international organization with a recognized excellence in SHE and Quality.
• Ability to engage constructively with auditees, deliver clear findings, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a respectful and open manner.
• You are a flexible, principled, and perceptive professional, demonstrating sound judgment and a willingness to travel regularly.
• You have an analytical and methodical mindset, skilled in applying structured audit methodologies and digital tools, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation in review practices.
• You are culturally sensitive and adaptable, able to navigate local customs, communication styles, and organizational dynamics with respect and effectiveness.
• Educational background minimum BSc in technical or scientific area in life science industries.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

DEI and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.