Product and Process Quality Manager

The Compleat Food Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in Milton Keynes seeks a Product and Process Quality Manager to oversee product quality across the group. The role involves conducting internal assessments, ensuring product standards, and collaborating with teams to drive innovation in food quality. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in food science or related experience, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This role promises a dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.

Benefits

Employee Volunteering Days

Retailer discount scheme

Employee well-being support

Charity initiatives and team events

24/7 grocery aid access

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science or manufacturing-related subject or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively at all levels.
• Experience with quality standards in food manufacturing.
• Adaptability to fast-paced environments and quick learning.
• Enthusiasm for creativity and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the annual plan for quality assessments.
• Conduct internal quality assessments.
• Ensure products meet defined standards.
• Build a strong understanding of product quality.
• Support continuous quality enhancements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or related field

Job description

Overview

We're excited to offer an incredible opportunity for a Product and Process Quality Manager to join our dedicated and professional New Product Development team in Milton Keynes! The Quality Manager is a hands-on, field-based role responsible for assessing and safeguarding product quality across the group. This position champions food quality, creativity, and innovation while monitoring competitor standards, addressing any quality deviations, and driving a best-in-class Quality Programme.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the annual plan for internal and external quality assessments to maintain a complete view of product quality.
• Conduct internal assessments aligned with the Quality Testing Programme.
• Support the development and delivery of the External Benchmarking Programme.
• Ensure products meet defined standards and QAS requirements, highlighting any issues.
• Accurately record panel results and data.
• Lead ad hoc quality assessments in response to business or market changes and track corrective actions.
• Create focused Quality Action Plans with key stakeholders.
• Build a strong understanding of product quality across recipes, packaging, and processes.
• Develop insights into competitor products and technical innovation.
• Promote a shift toward innovation-led quality and best-in-class products.
• Champion the Compleat View of Product Quality across the business.
• Clarify the difference between maintaining standards and driving quality improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external quality champions.
• Capture value from improvements and support continuous quality enhancement.
• Review current quality capabilities and recommend enhancements.
• Support raising quality standards across products and categories.
• Use data and insights to drive collaborative improvements throughout the product lifecycle.
• Interpret trends and feedback to recommend product enhancements.
• Work cross-functionally to embed consistent, quality-focused ways of working.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science or manufacturing-related subject OR relevant time served experience in a quality / quality assessment role
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate at all levels with cross-functional teams
• Experience with quality standards and practices in food manufacturing
• Enthusiasm for creativity, innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and learn new concepts quickly
• The ideal candidate will have skills around quality assessment and evaluation, product development, teamwork/collaboration and strategic mindedness to support the Quality strategy and to interact with all key stakeholders to ensure changes are successful.

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we're on a mission to create delectable food that not only brings joy to your taste buds but also extends love to our planet. We fondly refer to it as 'Food to Feel Good' because we believe in savouring every bite whilst making a positive impact. Our team of over c.6,500 remarkable individuals forms the core of all that we undertake. Their genuine passion drives the creation of delectable products for UK consumers, prominent retailers, and our thrilling market-leading brands such as Wall's Pastry, Squeaky Bean, and Unearthed.

Package and Benefits

• Dynamic Environment: You will be working in a fast-paced, future-thinking agile company where your contributions make a real difference.
• Culture: Be part of a fantastic team that values diversity, innovation, collaboration and excellence.
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High-street retailer discount scheme
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity's employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.