QA Manager

Select Appointments; Attleborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company based in Thetford is seeking a dedicated QA Manager to oversee quality assurance operations and drive a culture of food safety. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a proven background in QA within the food sector. Offering a competitive salary range of £35,000 to £40,000, this role involves managing audits, training, and compliance to ensure product quality.

Benefits

Competitive salary

40-hour working week

Opportunities for career advancement

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a QA management role within food manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP, SOPs, and FSQ legislation.
• Proven experience managing internal and external audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the QA team.
• Deliver Food Safety and Quality training.
• Support external and unannounced audits.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Leadership skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 HACCP qualification

HND/BSc in Food Science, Food Technology

Job description

QA Manager – Food Manufacturing

Location: Thetford, Norfolk

Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum (depending on proven experience)

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

• Level 3 HACCP qualification.
• HND/BSc in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline (or equivalent).
• Proven 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.
• IOSHH training desirable.

The Package

• Competitive salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (DOE)
• 40‑hour working week (5 × 8‑hour days)
• 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.