QA Manager

Select Recruitment; Attleborough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for career growth

Genuine opportunity with a quality-driven manufacturer

Job summary

A Quality Assurance specialist recruitment agency is seeking an experienced QA Manager for a food manufacturing company based in Thetford. The successful candidate will lead the QA team, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and drive quality improvement initiatives. The role requires hands-on experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills. Full-time position starting from January 2026, with initial Saturday working hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a QA management role within food manufacturing.
• Level 3 or 4 Food Safety & Hygiene certification required.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP, SOPs, and FSQ legislation.
• Strong GMP, SOP, and FSQ knowledge.
• Proven experience managing internal and external audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the QA team.
• Deliver Food Safety and Quality training to production teams.
• Work collaboratively with production and hygiene teams.
• Support audits preparation including external and unannounced (BRC).
• Conduct internal audits and maintain robust documentation.
• Monitor KPIs and drive a culture of quality across site.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Problem Solving

Communication

Audits experience

Education

HND/BSc in Food Science or related discipline

Job description

QA Manager – Food Manufacturing

Location: Thetford, Norfolk

Hours: 40 hours per week (5 × 8-hour days, initially including Saturdays – moving to a rota basis in 2026)

Start Date: January 2026

About the Company

My client is a successful and expanding food manufacturing business based in Thetford, recognised for their commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced and motivated QA Manager to join their team from January 2026, leading the Quality Assurance function and embedding a culture of food safety and technical excellence across the business.

The Role

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the QA Manager will be responsible for overseeing all QA operations on site, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, customer requirements, and industry standards. This role will play a key part in driving continuous improvement, developing the QA team, and maintaining the highest levels of product quality and food safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the QA team, setting and maintaining clear standards and objectives.
• Deliver Food Safety and Quality training to production teams across all shifts.
• Work collaboratively with production and hygiene teams (including weekends and evenings) to ensure best practice.
• Support preparation for external and unannounced audits (including BRC), ensuring ongoing audit readiness.
• Conduct internal audits and maintain robust documentation.
• Support the Technical Manager in liaising with external regulatory bodies and customers.
• Monitor customer and consumer complaints and non-conformances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Record and report on KPIs, driving the development of a strong quality culture across site.

About You

You’ll be a proactive and hands-on QA professional with excellent technical knowledge and leadership skills, ideally gained within a food manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• HND/BSc in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline (or equivalent).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a QA management role within food manufacturing.
• Level 3 or 4 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum Level 2).
• Strong working knowledge of GMP, SOPs, and FSQ legislation.
• Proven experience managing internal and external audits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

The Package

• Initially includes Saturday working, moving to a rota (1 in 3–4 Saturdays) in 2026
• Genuine opportunity to join a forward-thinking, quality-driven food manufacturer

How to Apply

If you’re a talented QA professional ready for your next challenge, please send your CV or contact Katie Dobson at Select Recruitment.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Quality Assurance, Management, and Administrative

Industries

Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Manufacturing