Food Safety & Quality Manager

Vickerstock; Magherafelt; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vickerstock are partnering with an established bakery manufacturer to recruit a Food Safety & Quality Manager for a maternity cover role at their Magherafelt factory. You will own the Quality Management System and lead audit readiness across BRCGS, customer audits and compliance with food legislation.

Working closely with NPD, Production and Commercial teams, you’ll drive continuous improvement, manage a small team and develop quality processes to support new product launches and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar Food Safety, Quality or Technical management role.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, retailer codes of practice and food legislation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient IT skills including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and supportive approach to driving improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and improve the site Quality Management System.
• Lead customer and BRCGS audit preparation and internal audits.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation and retailer codes.
• Oversee technical aspects of new product launches and artwork.
• Collaborate with NPD, Production and Commercial teams to meet timelines.
• Manage customer complaints and corrective actions.
• Support Head of Technical in developing quality systems and continuous improvement.

Skills

Food safety management

HACCP knowledge

BRCGS knowledge

Retailer codes of practice

Food legislation knowledge

Communication skills

IT skills (Excel/Word/PowerPoint)

Organisational skills

Decision-making

Proactive approach

Education

Food or Science-related degree

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with an established bakery manufacturer to recruit a Food Safety & Quality Manager for a maternity cover position at their factory based in the Magherafelt area.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the technical team of a growing business supplying high-quality baked goods to major retailers, taking ownership of food safety, quality systems, audits and technical support for new product launches.

The Role

• Develop, maintain and improve the site Quality Management System.
• Lead customer and BRCGS audit preparation, alongside internal audits covering quality systems, GMP and hygiene.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, legislation, HACCP and retailer codes of practice.
• Oversee technical aspects of new product launches, artwork and critical paths.
• Work closely with NPD, Production and Commercial teams to support product development and launch timelines.
• Manage customer complaints, investigations and corrective actions.
• Support the Head of Technical in developing quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage and develop team members, identifying training needs.
• Contribute to HACCP, TACCP and VACCP systems.

What you'll need

• Experience in a similar Food Safety, Quality or Technical management role.
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, retailer codes of practice and food legislation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Good IT skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Confident decision‑making skills and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• A proactive, flexible approach with the confidence to challenge information and drive improvements.

Desirable Criteria (it would be great if you have these but don't worry if you don't!)

• HACCP training.
• A Food or Science‑related degree, or equivalent qualification.