Lead Auditor

Saria Limited; Doncaster; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

SARIA Limited in Doncaster is seeking a Lead Auditor / Factory Support to strengthen quality, compliance and continuous improvement across supplier and site operations. You will audit suppliers, assess management systems and provide hands-on support to factory teams.

Role involves planning and conducting audits against SARIA standards, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and ensuring corrective actions are effectively implemented.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting internal, supplier and systems audits.
• Auditing against BRC or Feed Industry standards is advantageous.
• Lead Auditor qualification or ISO 14001/45001 certification is preferred.
• Level 3 HACCP certification is desirable.
• Strong IT skills with Word and Excel.
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety, environmental standards and auditing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct internal and external supplier audits.
• Assess supplier quality management systems and identify areas for improvement.
• Arrange audits with suppliers and site representatives, including pre-audit prep.
• Prepare audit questionnaires and checklists; gather supporting information.
• Conduct audits covering quality, technical, HSE and environmental requirements.
• Produce audit reports and manage follow-up actions.
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented and closed out.
• Carry out internal systems audits and support factory personnel on quality and audit issues.
• Assist with training and development of factory personnel.

Skills

Auditing

Communication

Independent work

Excel

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Lead Auditor certification

ISO 14001/45001

Level 3 HACCP

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Lead Auditor / Factory Support

Make a difference through quality, compliance, and continuous improvement

Location: Doncaster
Working pattern: Monday–Friday
Travel: Frequent UK travel, with occasional European travel
Salary: Competitive plus company Benefits
Reports to: Head of Quality & Compliance

Are you an experienced auditor with a strong eye for detail and a passion for maintaining high standards?

We are looking for a Lead Auditor / Factory Support professional to join our Quality & Compliance team in Doncaster. This is a varied role combining supplier auditing, internal systems auditing and hands‑on support to our factory teams.

You will play an important role in ensuring our suppliers and sites meet the standards expected by SARIA, while helping our teams continually improve quality, technical and compliance performance.

What you will be doing

As Lead Auditor / Factory Support, you will:

• Plan and conduct internal and external supplier audits against SARIA standards and relevant accreditation requirements.
• Assess supplier and quality management systems and identify areas for improvement.
• Arrange audits with suppliers and site representatives, including all necessary pre‑audit preparation.
• Prepare audit questionnaires, gather supporting information and develop effective audit checklists.
• Conduct audits covering quality, technical, Health & Safety and environmental requirements, where appropriate.
• Produce clear and accurate audit reports and manage follow‑up activities.
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to ensure corrective actions are implemented and closed out effectively.
• Carry out internal systems audits against relevant standards.
• Support factory personnel with quality, technical and audit‑related issues.
• Assist with training and development of factory personnel where required.
• Ensure up‑to‑date raw material specifications are obtained and maintained for each site.
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers, customers, site teams, and colleagues across the business.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who is confident working independently, communicates effectively and can build positive relationships at all levels.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience conducting internal, supplier and/or systems audits.
• Experience auditing against BRC standards and/or Feed Industry standards.
• A recognised Lead Auditor qualification, or Lead Auditor certification in ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001.
• A Level 3 HACCP Certificate.
• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• A good understanding of Health & Safety, environmental standards and auditing requirements.
• The ability to make appropriate decisions and use your own initiative.
• A self‑motivated and proactive approach, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience or knowledge of the meat/slaughter industry and animal by‑products would be advantageous.

A role with variety and impact

This is not a role where you will simply complete an audit checklist and move on.

You will have the opportunity to work across our operations, engage directly with suppliers and site teams, identify opportunities for improvement, and help ensure that our quality and compliance standards are consistently maintained.

You will work closely with our Group Technical/Quality Manager, Technical Team, Raw Material Team, Commercial Managers, Site Teams, suppliers, and customers, giving you a broad view of the business and the opportunity to make a real impact.

What you will bring

We are looking for someone who is:

Analytical – able to assess information objectively, identify risks and recognise opportunities for improvement.

Confident – comfortable conducting audits, challenging where necessary and communicating with people at all levels.

Organised – able to plan audits, manage documentation and follow actions through to completion.

Practical – able to understand the realities of factory operations and provide constructive support to site teams.

Driven – motivated to maintain high standards and continually improve performance.

Essential requirements

Due to the level of travel involved, you will need a full UK driving licence and a valid passport. The role involves frequent UK travel and occasional European travel.

SARIA is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety, quality, and environmental performance across our business.