Director of Risk and Assurance

Pladis Global; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Liverpool seeks a Quality Assurance (QA) Advisor to support their factory operations. This role focuses on enhancing quality and food safety by overseeing audits, improving systems, and ensuring compliance with regulations and company standards. Candidates should possess relevant food safety qualifications, significant experience in quality roles, and excellent communication skills to effectively lead and influence practices in the organization. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and values diversity in its workplace.

Benefits

Annual Incentive Plan

Private medical insurance

Stakeholder pension scheme

Life assurance cover

25 days + bank holidays

Holiday Enhancement Scheme

Volunteering day

Cycle to work scheme

Discount and cashback scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Financial wellbeing support

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Food or Science-based HND required.
• Experience in HACCP management in FMCG environments.
• Strong IT skills for quality and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in Quality & Food Safety.
• Manage development of Quality systems including HACCP.
• Coordinate audits and monitor compliance.

Skills

HACCP management

Food Safety expertise

IT systems proficiency

Excellent communication

Stakeholder influence

Education

Food or Science-based HND

Level 4 Food Safety certification

Degree in food safety

Job description

As a Quality Assurance (QA) Advisor, you'll play a vital role in supporting our Stockport factory with expertise in QA, Food Safety, Pest Control, and Process Integrity. Reporting to the Site Compliance Manager, you'll help implement pladis Central QA and Food Safety policies, drive continuous improvement, and manage the site's Quality and Food Safety systems. This role is all about making a difference: overseeing internal audits, supporting complaint and incident management, and ensuring compliance with legal, retailer, and pladis standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality & Food Safety Leadership: Provide expert advice and support on QA and Food Safety matters, ensuring compliance and maintaining high standards.
• System Management & Continuous Improvement: Lead the development and improvement of Quality and Food Safety systems, including HACCP and SOP approvals.
• Audit & Compliance Oversight: Coordinate internal and external audits, monitor policy implementation, and resolve non-conformances.
• Training & Communication: Deliver QA and Food Safety training, contribute to specification reviews, and report on performance metrics.
• Vendor & Crisis Management: Oversee vendor performance and support Crisis Incident Management through risk assessments and reporting.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Food or Science-based HND, Level 4 Food Safety and HACCP certifications (auditing qualification desirable).
• Strong experience in quality roles, including HACCP management within FMCG environments.
• Confidence with IT systems and tools for quality and compliance processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to engage at all levels.
• Ability to influence and lead stakeholders to drive quality and food safety standards.

Desirable

• Degree in food safety or food science discipline.
• IOSH Managing Safety certification.

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).
• Private medical insurance.
• Stakeholder pension scheme.
• Life assurance cover upon enrolment to the pension scheme.
• 25 days + bank holidays.
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme.
• 1 volunteering day per year.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discount and cashback scheme.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial wellbeing support.
• Access to training and development opportunities.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.