Food Compliance Lead – BRC & QA Specialist

Zest; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest is working with a long‑standing food manufacturing client to hire a Compliance Manager for their technical team in the North West England. This role reports to the Technical Manager and focuses on maintaining audit readiness and strong standards across the operation.

You will lead audits, manage the QMS, handle customer issues, and support improvements while acting as a trusted contact for customers and deputising for the Technical Manager when required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar compliance or technical role in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of BRC and retailer standards.
• A HACCP qualification and a food safety qualification.
• An internal auditor qualification.
• A food science degree, or equivalent experience in the industry.
• Confident communication skills and a calm, organised approach, especially when preparing for audits and handling customer queries.

Responsibilities

• Keep the site audit-ready at all times, so that it stays compliant with BRC and retailer standards.
• Keep the Quality Management System (QMS) accurate and up to date.
• Lead and support external visits, including BRC audits and customer visits.
• Manage customer complaints, non-conformances and investigations, finding root causes and -making sure corrective actions are put in place.
• Look after existing customer relationships and act as a trusted point of contact.
• Deputise for the Technical Manager when needed.

Skills

Auditing

BRC standards

Food safety

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Food science degree

HACCP qualification

Internal auditor qualification

Food safety qualification

Job description

Zest is working with a long‑standing food manufacturing client to hire a Compliance Manager for their technical team in the North West England. This role reports to the Technical Manager and focuses on maintaining audit readiness and strong standards across the operation.

You will lead audits, manage the QMS, handle customer issues, and support improvements while acting as a trusted contact for customers and deputising for the Technical Manager when required.