Veterinarian / Veterinary QA Specialist Slaughterhouse

At Westfort Vleesproducten, animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do. In our state-of-the-art slaughterhouse, we process pigs with respect for both the animal and the product, valorizing no less than 98% of every animal. This requires craftsmanship, technology, and strong veterinary expertise on the shop floor.

For our QESH team, we are looking for a Veterinarian with QA responsibility. A professional who operates primarily from their role as a veterinarian, is visible in the slaughterhouse, and in addition makes an important contribution to quality systems, audits, and legislation.

As a veterinarian, you are responsible for:

• Supervising animal welfare during the slaughter process

• Assessing and interpreting laws and regulations (including NVWA)

• Identifying risks and advising on process improvements

• Consultation and coordination with the NVWA, where you make a substantive difference

• Providing information and guidance to employees regarding animal welfare and hygiene

• Acting as a sparring partner for fellow veterinarians (including Farming)

In addition to your veterinary role, you actively contribute to quality and food safety:

• Monitoring and improving QA processes within the slaughterhouse

• Performing internal audits and hygiene rounds

• Implementing and managing quality systems and concepts
  (such as BRC, IKB, and Beter Leven Keurmerk)

• Guiding external audits by customers and certifying bodies

• Handling customer inquiries and complaints

• Advising internal stakeholders such as production, purchasing, and sales

This role is divided approximately 50/50, with the primary focus on veterinary medicine and animal welfare within the slaughterhouse. From that veterinary foundation, you will actively participate in QA processes, audits, and external contacts (such as the NVWA and customers).

You are close to the operation, stand firm in your shoes, and are a substantive interlocutor for production, management, and regulators.

You do not have to meet every requirement; substantive interest and motivation are at least as important.

• Completed degree in Veterinary Medicine (or nearly completed)

• Affinity with a production or slaughterhouse environment

• Interest in quality, food safety, and legislation

• Knowledge of NVWA legislation is a plus (or you are eager to learn this)

• You communicate clearly and stand firm in your shoes

• You work independently, but actively seek collaboration