Who we are…and what we do 

With an annual turnover of around €2bn, ekaterra is the world’s largest tea business, with world-class, purpose-driven brands such as Lipton, Pukka, Tazo, T2 and PG Tips. ‘eka’ is a word taken from the Sanskrit language which means unity and one purpose, while ‘terra’ represents the earth and nature. As ekaterra we are truly united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the ekaterra business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, ekaterra is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, ekaterra is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries.

Under the ownership of CVC, ekaterra has an exciting future ahead with opportunities for increased investments in our iconic brands, our people, and our capabilities.  Combining the strength and scale of our brands with a focus on speed and agility, ekaterra is brewing a corporate start-up mindset that’s opening-up new opportunities for its people to flourish every day.

At ekaterra, we put consumer love at the heart of every decision. We celebrate diverse thinkers who take personal ownership to connect ideas and make impactful things happen; people who share our values around humanity and courage and give their commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of all. In return, we offer a working culture that gives our people freedom and flexibility, and where they can grow both personally and professionally to master their field.

Be part of our amazing blend. Come and grow yourself and, in turn, help us to grow a world of wellbeing.

Your Key Tasks

• Define microbiological safety requirements for ekaterra brands and products with respect to ingredients, processing, formulation and packaging. 
• Provide inputs to relevant ekaterra policies and frameworks (e.g. GMP) 
• Guide projects teams, including global and regional with respect to design and validation of new products/new technologies and implementation in factories/3PMs. 
• Shape and decide on micro-biological testing protocols. For new products validate microbiological sampling plans.  
• Shape and supports external partnerships vital to Hygienic Process and Micro safety assessment of ekaterra products. 
• Develop and activate training and active deployment of knowledge and tools with ekaterra R&D. 
• Act as subject matter expert in case of microbiological issues within global and regional Microbiological and Supply Chain.  
• Provide guidance on new technologies to optimize efficiency related to product safety.  

Stakeholder Management and key interfaces

• Manage a small internal team and external collaborations 
• Maintain effective relationships with projects teams across R&D and Supply Chain Quality Function 
• Contributes to ekaterra Quality strategy and proactively drives micro safety program 
• Reports into Head of Scientific Affairs/Head of TTU 

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, M.S or Ph.D. in Food Science, Biological Science, or Microbiology or equivalent 
• Proven experience within Food & Beverage industry related to Microbiology, Food Safety and Quality 
• Expertise in Food Microbiology and Quality 
• A proven track record in an FMCG environment, in active collaboration with R&D and non-R&D functions as well as 3rd parties 
• Experience in Micro stability assessment and food processing 
• Solid knowledge base with product/process/ingredient specifications with focus on microbiological safety  
• Experience working with product development and innovation in Food/Beverage 
• Ability to operate with multi-location, international business set-up 
• Experience in Hygienic Processing combined with Microbiology 
• Experience working with global markets 

Who we are looking for

• Focused, passionate expert who effectively collaborates with global network of project teams 
• Well organised with clear decision making 
• Ability to define frameworks and implement mandatory processes and requirements within technical functions 
• Ability to network with External Ecosystem partners such as Universities and Analytical Testing providers 
• Speed and decisiveness in response to micro quality issues 
• Good influencing and communication skills (written and verbal). 
• Must be a good team player focusing on collaboration  
• Must show ability to work in a multi-functional, multi-cultural environment 
• Must be fluent in English