Meet Lucia, Quality Manager at Bratislava

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Tell us about yourself and your role at Mondelēz International

I am Lucia Dubovska and I work as a Quality Manager in our chocolate manufacturing plant based in Bratislava. I lead a fantastic team that includes roles such as Integrated Management System (IMS) Coordinator, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Coordinator, and Quality Coordinators. Our plant is also equipped with both microbiological and analytical laboratories. Aside from this, I am also responsible for managing the entire Quality Department, ensuring adherence to our Integrated Quality Management System, and maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. My key focus is to ensure that all our products meet Mondelēz’s food safety and quality standards.

How would you describe your career path?

I studied Food Safety and Control, and even during my university years, I knew I wanted to work in a place where food is being produced. Initially, after graduation, I was accepted into a different role. However, during the summer, I applied for a summer internship with Mondelēz, where I had the chance to support the implementation of Integrated Lean 6 Sigma (IL6S). After that, I was offered the role of Line Leader, which I gladly accepted. I worked as a Line Leader on several production lines for several years. It was an intense but very rewarding and educational experience. After that, I moved into the role of Vertical Start Up (VSU) Leader, where I managed several key projects.

And now, I’m here, working as a Quality Assurance Manager, continuing my journey in the food industry with the same passion I started with.

What challenges have you encountered in your journey?

That’s such an interesting question! I feel like challenges are a part of my daily routine, not just for me, but for most of my colleagues too! One of the biggest challenges I faced was right at the beginning of my career, when, fresh out of university, I was given the responsibility to lead a team of around 40 people, and they were much more experienced than me!

It was a tough moment, but also a very formative one. Luckily, I had an amazing team. We built great relationships (many of which I still cherish today), and we also achieved some really strong results together.

I have to say, I’ve been truly lucky with the teams I’ve worked with throughout my time at Mondelēz. Even in my current role, there are new challenges every single day. But I genuinely believe that with responsibility, consistency, teamwork, and a bit of humor, anything can be managed—step by step, thoughtfully, and together.

How would you describe Mondelēz’s culture?

I would describe the culture as very dynamic and deeply interconnected. Everything is linked, and every action and decision has an impact, often reaching far beyond one individual or one department. It’s a chain, and we’re all part of it.

What I truly value is the spirit of collaboration. People here are experts in their fields and genuinely helpful and willing to support each other. Whenever a challenge arises, there’s always someone ready to lend a hand or offer advice. It creates a strong sense of trust and partnership across the organization.

How does being part of the team at the Bratislava plant in Slovakia feels like?

Being part of the team at the plant is both motivating and inspiring. Our site is full of talented people who are driven, full of ideas, and genuinely passionate about developing themselves and their teams. A strong sense of ambition and energy pushes us all to keep improving and moving forward. Of course, it can be challenging at times, especially since everyone brings their perspective and strong opinions to the table. But that’s also what makes it exciting. Ultimately, we always find ways to support each other and work towards the same goal.

How would you describe the manufacturing/engineering/production world?

Well, one thing’s for sure, it’s never boring! Not even for a second. Every day brings something new, whether exciting projects, unexpected challenges, or fresh opportunities to learn and grow. It’s a world full of change, problem-solving, and collaboration. And above all, it’s filled with great people who make even the toughest days worthwhile. There’s a specific energy in production that keeps you on your toes.