QHSE Leader - Foodservices

Company Overview

Compass Group Italia SpA is the Italian country of Compass Group PLC, the world’s leading foodservices company.

In Italy Compass Group deliveres food services in more than 400 units and employs over 4.000.

To further strengthen our organization and support the continuous growth and excellence of our operations, we are seeking a QHSE Director to lead and develop the Quality, Health, Safety and Environment function at a national level. This is a strategic leadership role, reporting directly to the Managing Director and acting as a key member of the Italian leadership team.

Role Purpose

The QHSE Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, health & safety, and environmental compliance across Compass Group Italia’s operations. The role requires a dynamic and hands-on leader capable of managing a structured QHSE organization, driving continuous improvement, and embedding a strong safety and quality culture throughout the business.

Operating in a complex, multi-site and highly regulated environment, the QHSE Director will ensure full compliance with corporate standards, local legislation and client requirements, while acting as a trusted partner to Operations, Sales and central functions. Strong international exposure, systems proficiency and deep expertise in food safety are critical to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, lead and continuously improve the QHSE strategy for Compass Group Italia, in line with Group standards and local regulatory requirements.
• Lead, develop and coordinate the entire QHSE organization , ensuring clear governance, accountability and operational excellence.
• Act as the primary QHSE reference point for the Managing Director , leadership team, clients and external authorities.
• Ensure excellence and compliance in food safety systems (HACCP, audits, certifications, supplier controls, traceability).
• Oversee quality management systems , food safety audits and continuous improvement initiatives across all business segments.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations , supporting risk assessment, accident prevention and safety culture initiatives (knowledge of workplace safety is required; advanced expertise is a strong plus).
• Drive environmental and sustainability initiatives in line with corporate ESG priorities.
• Support commercial activities by contributing to tenders and client proposals from a QHSE standpoint.
• Ensure effective use of digital tools and systems (Microsoft environment, Excel, reporting platforms, QHSE systems) to monitor performance and enable data-driven decision making.
• Manage relationships with certification bodies, regulatory authorities and key stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety and accountability through training, communication and leadership by example.

Required Profile

• Proven experience in a senior QHSE leadership role , preferably within foodservice, collective catering, hospitality, or similarly structured environments .
• Strong expertise in food safety and quality systems is essential.
• Solid understanding of health & safety at work (advanced expertise is considered a strong advantage).
• Experience in international or highly structured organizations is highly valued.
• Excellent command of English ; Italian fluency is required.
• Strong digital and systems proficiency , particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem (Excel, reporting tools, general IT literacy).
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands-on, pragmatic and dynamic leadership style .
• Strong communication skills, credibility with senior stakeholders and ability to influence across all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• University degree in Food Science, Quality, Engineering or related fields.
• Background in collective catering or foodservice operations .
• Experience working with international standards and corporate governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with sustainability and ESG-related initiatives.

What We Offer

An opportunity to join a large, international and highly structured organization , where quality, safety and people development are central to business success. Compass Group Italia offers a collaborative and positive working environment, real opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to play a strategic role in shaping the future of QHSE within one of the world’s leading foodservice companies.