Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager - Food Manufacturing

Kepak Group; Merthyr Tydfil; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A food processing company in Merthyr Tydfil is seeking a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager. This role involves leading the Quality Assurance function, managing a small team, and ensuring compliance with HACCP standards. The ideal candidate should have a qualification in Food Science and a Level 4 HACCP certification. Benefits include subsidised meals, 31 days annual leave, and a company pension scheme.

Benefits

Subsidised canteen with multiple hot food options

31 days annual leave

WrkIt employee discount platform

Christmas hamper for all employees

Company pension scheme

Refer-a-Friend scheme; earn up to €500

GroceryAid Employee Assistance Programme

Long Service Awards

Bike to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 4 HACCP certification.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline required.
• Extensive experience in auditing and food safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Assurance function within the retail manufacturing unit.
• Manage a team of 1-4 QA Leads.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Knowledge of HACCP

Auditing experience

Knowledge of UK/EU food safety regulations

Ability to manage a team

Education

Qualification in Food Science or related discipline

Level 4 HACCP certification

Job description

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Location: Kepak St. Merryn, Merthyr Tydfil. Our facility combines beef and lamb processing and packing, offering high‑quality retail cuts and branded packaged meat sourced from local farmers on open pastures.

About the Role

This full‑time, permanent position works Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, and reports to the Head of Food Safety and Quality Retail.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Assurance function within the retail manufacturing unit, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality compliance.
• Manage a team of 1‑4 QA Leads, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, TACCP, VACCP, and BRCGS standards.
• Maintain and update QA documentation; provide regular updates on QA monitoring and results.
• Support product quality control, including risk assessment–based decision making for products and processes.
• Collaborate with the site food safety & compliance manager to continuously improve the quality management system.
• Set up regular management routines and dashboards to monitor QA performance.
• Conduct risk assessments and root‑cause analyses for quality and food safety incidents.
• Monitor customer claims, complaints, and traceability; lead corrective & preventive actions.
• Ensure audit readiness: preparing for and responding to customer, third‑party and regulatory audits, including mock recall exercises.
• Oversee QA training programmes, ensuring all team members are competent in food safety and quality procedures.

Qualifications & Skills

• Qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
• Level 4 HACCP certification (required).
• Extensive auditing experience.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, TACCP, VACCP, and UK/EU food safety regulations.
• Proven track record in food safety compliance and quality systems management.
• Knowledge of animal welfare standards.

Benefits

• Subsidised canteen with multiple hot food options.
• 31 days annual leave per year (after probation).
• Access to the WrkIt employee discount platform.
• Christmas hamper for all employees.
• Company pension scheme.
• Refer‑a‑Friend scheme; earn up to €500.
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Programme.
• Long Service Awards.
• Bike to Work Scheme.