Quality Engineer - Graduate Programme

Quality Engineer - Graduate Programme

Location: San Cesario

At Sibelco, we advance life through materials. For over 150 years, we've been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial minerals. Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we're proud of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering people from all walks of life to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Are We the Perfect Match? At Sibelco, we believe building a successful career is a two-way journey. We're looking for individuals who share our values and vision, just as much as you're seeking a company that aligns with your aspirations. Together, we can shape the future.

The Global Graduate Programme - A Fast-Track to Leadership

The Sibelco Global Graduate Programme is designed to accelerate the careers of promising individuals. It is a two-year rotational programme consisting of two one-year assignments in key operational and functional roles. The programme provides hands-on experience with real business projects, ensuring early responsibility and exposure to strategic decision-making. Participants are offered a permanent contract from the start, ensuring long-term career prospects within Sibelco.

As part of this programme, we are recruiting a Graduate Quality Engineer for a one-year assignment focused on quality management implementation and best practices development within our glass recycling operations in Italy, based in the San Cesario plant.

In addition, graduates must be open to spending their second year in a different cluster outside of their initial region. This ensures exposure to international or regional business operations and provides a broader understanding of Sibelco's global structure.

This assignment focuses on implementing and enhancing a comprehensive Quality Management System across raw materials, finished goods, and waste streams, aligned with ISO 9001 certification standards.

• Managing sampling activities, including collection processes, traceability, and documentation.
• Building, maintaining, and improving a structured Quality database to ensure data accuracy, accessibility, and reporting efficiency.
• Analyzing operational data such as waste disposal costs, recovery rates, yield performance, and production waste volumes to identify improvement areas.
• Supporting the implementation and continuous improvement of ISO 9001 standards, including audits, procedures, and documentation.
• Participating in group Quality meetings and actively contributing to knowledge exchange with the global Quality network.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Operations, Sustainability, Legal, Commercial, and Waste Management teams to ensure alignment of quality objectives.
• Identifying and proposing innovative solutions to improve quality processes, operational efficiency, and potential commercial value from recycled materials.
• Supporting the development of best practices and standardization across glass recycling activities.
• Preparing reports, dashboards, and presentations to support data-driven decision-making.

We are looking for individuals who are eager to take on responsibility early in their careers and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced industrial environment. The ideal candidate has:

• A degree in Engineering (Industrial, Chemical, Environmental, Materials), Quality Management, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding or academic exposure to quality systems, ISO standards (preferably ISO 9001), and process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma is a plus).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable improvements.
• High attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and cultures.
• Good command of Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of data analysis or visualization tools is a plus.
• Interest in sustainability, recycling processes, and circular economy initiatives.
• Proactive mindset with a willingness to challenge the status quo and propose improvements.
• Fluency in English and Italian.
• Openness to spending the second year of the programme in a different cluster for international/regional experience.

The application process consists of:

• Application Submission – CV & Cover/Motivation Letter.
• First Interview – Initial screening and discussion about your background and motivations.
• Assessment – Evaluating key competencies required for the role.
• Business Case Study – A real-world challenge to assess problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Panel Interview – Final interview with key stakeholders.

This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for graduates who want to accelerate their careers and gain experience in a dynamic, international company. Sibelco's Global Graduate Programme is a unique opportunity to gain early career exposure to real business challenges and decision-making.

Participants benefit from:

• A permanent contract from the start – this is a full-time role, not an internship.
• Competitive salary.
• Relocation support.
• Real responsibility and hands-on implementation experience.
• A structured career path.
• Performance guidance and mentorship.
• International/regional exposure through the second-year rotation.

Employee Type: Graduate

Sibelco is more than a workplace - it's a community that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here's what you can look forward to when you join our team:

Meet Our People: Careers Learn About Our Recruitment Process: Learn More Discover Our Sustainability Goals: Sibelco priorities

We also welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support you through the selection process.

Be part of something special If you are looking for a fast-moving, diverse and challenging career where you can make a real difference, Sibelco could be the right company for you.