QA Team Leader

Acorn by Synergie; Ilminster; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus scheme

Enhanced pension contributions

Life Assurance

Onsite parking

Employee discounts platform

Long service celebrations

Employee Assistance Programme

Free fruit and potatoes

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Flu vaccinations

Refer a friend scheme

Job summary

Acorn by Synergie is seeking a QA Team Leader to head the day-to-day Quality Assurance function on a busy Ilminster site. You will ensure products meet customer specifications, legal requirements and internal quality standards while collaborating with Production to maximise efficiency.

The role offers a competitive salary, career development, and a range of site benefits. You will report to the Operational QA Manager and deputise as required, driving LEAN initiatives and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Experience leading QA in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and LEAN principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all day-to-day Quality Assurance functions across the site.
• Ensure packed products meet customer specifications and required quality standards.
• Work with Production Management to maximise efficiency without compromising quality.
• Identify and manage out-of-specification products with corrective actions.
• Carry out QA activities across Intake, Output and Tickets.
• Monitor shelf-life deterioration and report quality issues promptly.
• Support audits and maintain the GMP audit system.

Skills

QA leadership

Quality Assurance

Team leadership

LEAN

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Job description

QA Team Leader | Quality Assurance Team Leader | Quality Team Leader | QA Supervisor

Ilminster | £34,000 per annum | Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm | Full-Time | Permanent

Introduction

Acorn by Synergie is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established food manufacturing business looking for an experienced and motivated QA Team Leader to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a quality-focused professional looking to take the next step in their career and play a key role in maintaining and improving quality standards across a busy manufacturing site.

Reporting to the Operational QA Manager, you will lead the day-to-day Quality Assurance function, supporting the QA team and working closely with Production to ensure products consistently meet customer specifications, legal requirements and internal quality standards.

What We Offer

• £34,000 per annum.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Life Assurance and Critical Illness Cover.
• Onsite parking.
• Employee discounts platform.
• Long service celebrations.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free fruit and potatoes.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Flu vaccinations.
• Refer a friend scheme.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all day-to-day Quality Assurance functions across the site.
• Ensure packed products meet customer specifications and required quality standards.
• Work closely with Production Management to maximise efficiency without compromising product quality.
• Identify and manage out-of-specification products, taking appropriate corrective action with Production.
• Carry out QA activities across Intake, Output and Tickets.
• Monitor shelf-life deterioration and ensure quality issues are reported promptly.
• Conduct additional quality assessments, including dry matter and hot box testing, where required.
• Support the preparation and successful completion of internal and external audits.
• Manage the site's GMP audit system and participate as a member of the internal auditing team.
• Arrange and secure samples for microbiological, chemical and nutritional analysis using the appropriate laboratory systems.
• Assist with the collection and reporting of weekly QA KPI information.
• Support the Operational QA Manager with the day-to-day running of the department.
• Deputise for the Operational QA Manager when required, including managing team performance, sickness and holiday cover.
• Support the implementation of LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives across the department and wider business.
• Help identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve line performance and enhance OEE.
• Ensure products are correctly labelled and comply with customer specifications and legal requirements.
• Ensure employees follow relevant procedures, work instructions, company policies and Health & Safety requirements.
• Assist with risk assessments and site improvement initiatives.
• Provide coaching, training and support to QA and production employees.
• Assist with regular team briefings covering quality, performance, training, Health & Safety and business updates.
• Coordinate staff holiday requests and support return-to-work processes.
• Contribute to staff appraisals and employee development.

About You

We are looking for someone who is confident in their QA knowledge and enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A positive, proactive approach to problem solving.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
• A strong 'can-do' attitude with the confidence to use initiative.
• The ability to anticipate issues and take appropriate action.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
• Integrity, diplomacy and impartiality.
• A genuine passion for continuous improvement and LEAN principles.
• The ability to work effectively with both Quality and Production teams.
• A strong understanding of the importance of Health & Safety, with safety always taking precedence.