Quality and Food Safety Intern/Co-Op

Company Overview:

IRCA is a leading international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry and gelato markets, serving independent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients.

The Company, headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, the global Private Equity firm, in July 2022, and has a strong track record of growth over the last decade. IRCA has made 2 bolt-on acquisitions in the areas of candied fruits (Cesarin) and pistachio ingredients (Anastasi) in 2022, and recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target’s business focuses on high value add specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment, with a portfolio that incorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées.

This transformative deal would create a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry, with 22 manufacturing facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam and a combined €1 billion of revenues (2022).

Job Overview:

The Quality Assurance Intern/Co-op will play an active role in strengthening Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) systems within IRCA’s manufacturing network. Working under the guidance of site QA leadership, the intern/co-op will apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges by supporting process validation, sanitation optimization, foreign material control, and audit readiness initiatives. The position offers hands-on experience in quality systems management, regulatory compliance, and problem-solving within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a student pursuing a technical degree who is eager to learn, collaborate cross-functionally, and contribute meaningful improvements that enhance product quality, operational efficiency, and customer trust.

Reports to:

Quality Assurance Manager and Quality Assurance Supervisor