Operations Quality Manager – Pet Feed

Nutreco; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Pension scheme

Professional growth opportunities

International environment

Job summary

Nutreco's Companion Animal premix factory in Ashbourne (UK) is seeking an Operations Quality Manager – Pet Feed to own the local QMS within Operations and drive safety and quality of products.

You will lead a small team of Quality Officers, collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain and the Customer Quality Manager – Pet Feed, and ensure compliance with FSQ standards while contributing to Nutreco’s global quality networks.

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.

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

Quality Management

FSQ principles

Leadership

Project management

Analytical

Education

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

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.

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