Operations Quality Manager – Pet Feed

Trouw Nutrition; Ashbourne CP; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nutrition company seeks an Operations Quality Manager – Pet Feed in Ashbourne, UK. This full-time role involves managing the Quality Management System and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Ideal candidates have a relevant degree and 3-5 years of quality experience in the pet food industry. Strong problem-solving and leadership skills are essential. Competitive remuneration and professional growth opportunities offered.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Good pension scheme

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in quality/food safety, ideally in pet food or food/feed industries.
• Expertise in Feed-to-Food Safety principles.
• Availability to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Implement the quality strategy and site quality plan aligned with business priorities.
• Lead and coach a team of Quality Officers.
• Conduct audits and training to raise quality awareness.

Skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Leadership

Analytical capabilities

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science/Technology, Chemistry, or Biology

Job description

Job Description

Join Our Purpose – Feeding the Future

Nutreco is a member of the SHV family, and we are committed to 'Feeding the Future' through sustainable and innovative practices. Nutreco has two business lines: Skretting is a leading global provider of innovative aquafeed solutions, revolutionizing aquaculture for a sustainable future. Trouw Nutrition specializes in animal nutrition and is committed to advancing livestock health and productivity through cutting‑edge solutions.

Are you passionate about food and feed safety and eager to build a strong Quality culture in a dynamic production environment? Join Trouw Nutrition as an Operations Quality Manager – Pet Feed in our Companion Animal premix factory in Ashbourne (UK). In this newly created role, you will take ownership of the local Quality Management System (QMS) within Operations, ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards, and lead a small team to secure the highest quality and safety of our products.

This is a unique opportunity to shape site‑level quality governance, partner closely with Operations, and contribute to Nutreco’s regional and global quality networks.

About the Role – Ensure the Safety and Quality of Pet Feed Production

Responsibilities

• Implement the quality strategy and site quality plan aligned with business priorities.
• Act as the main contact for Operations on factory quality performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, industry, customer, and Nutreco food/feed safety standards.
• Lead and coach a team of Quality Officers, building a strong quality culture.
• Conduct audits, risk assessments, and training to raise quality awareness.
• Support incident management and drive continuous improvement across Operations.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Commercial teams to enhance performance.
• Collaborate with the Customer Quality Manager – Pet Feed to ensure alignment between operational and customer‑facing quality activities.
• Contribute to regional and global quality networks by sharing best practices.

Skills and Expertise

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science/Technology, Chemistry, or Biology (food hygiene qualification preferred).
• 3–5 years’ experience in quality/food safety, ideally in pet food, companion animal feed, or food/feed industries.
• Expertise in Feed-to-Food Safety (FSQ) principles, ensuring compliance with all regulatory, industry, and customer standards.
• Strong soft skills including problem‑solving, decision‑making, hands‑on and ownership‑driven mindset, leadership, analytical capabilities, and project management skills.
• Availability to travel occasionally.
• Location: On site, Ashbourne

Why You Will Love Working with Us

Global Benefits

• Opportunity to shape a new position and make your mark.
• Full‑time role in an international, dynamic environment.
• Competitive remuneration package and good pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional growth within Nutreco and the broader SHV group.

Next Steps

We value a seamless candidate experience and aim to respond within five (5) business days. The hiring process typically takes 4–6 weeks. For more information, please contact Luisa Ligabo at [e-mail]. We appreciate your interest in joining our mission to innovate and sustainably shape the future of food production.

Our organisation

Trouw Nutrition is the global leader in innovative feed specialties, premixes and nutritional services for the animal nutrition industry. Trouw Nutrition provides species‑specific nutritional solutions consisting of feed concepts, products and nutritional know‑how. The unique combination of products, models and services Trouw Nutrition offers, boosts productivity and supports animal health through all life stages, contributing to our customers' peace of mind. Trouw Nutrition's nutrition solutions have met the need of farmers and home‑mixers, feed producers, integrators and distributors. Trouw Nutrition has locations in 25 countries and around 5000 employees. Our mission is Feeding the Future.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Trouw Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, military status or any other status protected by applicable local law. Please advise us at any point during the recruitment and selection process if you require accommodation. Trouw Nutrition is committed to compliance with all applicable legislation, including providing accommodation for applicants with disabilities.