Head of Quality

Pure Staff Ltd; Stanford-le-Hope; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce company based in Stanford-Le-Hope is seeking a Head of Quality responsible for ensuring compliance and managing quality control in the pack-house. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, strong leadership skills, and be HACCP trained. Key duties include maintaining the Approved Supplier List, managing stock checks, and leading a QC team. The salary ranges from £55,000 to £65,000 per annum, offering an excellent opportunity for career growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years in a fresh produce pack-house or grower environment.
• Experience in senior QC/technical roles.
• Experience managing citrus and grape categories.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Approved Supplier List and ensure accuracy.
• Oversee compliance and manage product retraction and updates.
• Conduct stock reviews and cold store checks.
• Lead QC team recruitment, training, and performance reviews.

Skills

HACCP trained

Quality management

Effective communication

Organisational skills

IT literate (MS Word, Excel)

Leadership skills

Tools

Prophet

Rubicon

Job description

Head of Quality - Permanent, Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex
Posted 1 day ago
Salary £55000 – £65000 per annum

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Approved Supplier List and Approved Grower List, ensuring accuracy and circulation.
• Oversee compliance and manage retraction/updates as required. Ensure daily order sheets are completed and accurate.
• Maintain customer specifications and ensure team compliance. Oversee weekly information packs for internal/external stakeholders.
• Manage intake inspections for grape, citrus, apple, and kiwi consignments.
• Ensure red label (concessionary) product is correctly controlled.
• Ensure returned/rejected product is re-inspected, root cause investigated, and corrective action taken.
• Oversee contingency purchases and product liability matters.
• Manage shelf-life testing and reporting.
• Oversee APG positive release procedures (grower/shipper checks).
• Conduct regular stock reviews and cold store checks.
• Ensure check-weighing and weights/measures compliance.
• Monitor clandestine contamination, food safety, and DEFRA audit procedures (e.g. PHEATS).
• Ensure correct policies and procedures for equipment calibration and use.
• Lead the QC team: recruitment, training, PPE provision, internal performance reviews.
• Manage staff motivation, discipline, absence, and sickness.
• Maintain training records and ensure all QC staff are trained in required procedures.
• Provide input into operational meetings and ensure effective communication across the team.
• Ensure compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Qualifications

• HACCP trained.
• You must have a minimum of 3 – 5 years working within a fresh produce pack-house or grower.
• Senior QC/technical role in fresh produce.
• Experience managing citrus/grape categories.
• Strong quality management skills.
• Effective communicator at all levels.
• Administrative and organisational skills.
• IT literate: Microsoft Word, Excel, and bespoke systems (Prophet or Rubicon).
• Ability to adapt and prioritise in a changing environment.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Methodical thinker with problem-solving ability.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, and detail focused.