QA Tester

Dale Farm Ltd; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A food manufacturing company in Knowsley is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to oversee the quality assurance team and ensure that all products are manufactured safely and meet customer specifications. The role includes managing audits, leading a small team, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a background in chilled food manufacturing and experience with quality systems. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a leading organization in the food industry.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in chilled food manufacturing with chilled ready meals.
• Experience managing a small team.
• Good knowledge of validation and verification.
• Ability to liaise with customers.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the quality assurance team.
• Support audits and ensure compliance with technical policies.
• Monitor HACCP Critical Control Points.
• Investigate customer complaints and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Team management

HACCP knowledge

Data analysis

Report writing

Education

Degree/HND in a food-related discipline

HACCP Level 4 and Food Safety Level 4

Internal auditing qualification (Lead Auditor or similar)

Job description

Responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the quality assurance team to ensure all products are manufactured safely and meet or exceed customer specifications.

Responsibilities

• Support the site actively in the preparation of and during Customer or Third‑Party Audits.
• Deputise in the absence of the Factory Technical Manager.
• Manage, motivate and develop a team of Quality Assurance personnel who audit the Quality Systems according to a defined schedule.
• Identify training needs within the team and manage performance.
• Ensure that all technical policies and procedures are adhered to within the manufacturing environment and review compliance.
• Monitor and verify HACCP Critical Control Points (CCPs).
• Monitor Technical Systems to provide documentary evidence for due‑diligence defence in food safety or quality issues.
• Adhere to all agreed testing schedules (raw materials, finished products, environment, taste panel, lab samples, etc.).
• Confirm calibration schedule is maintained and take correct corrective action when required.
• Attend customer panels as required.
• Form part of the internal audit team.
• Support the planning and maintenance of the validation schedule.
• Manage KPIs.
• Manage process deviations (concessions and incidents).
• Analyse laboratory results, understand data and report to business as appropriate.
• Identify trends and out‑of‑spec results and drive appropriate corrective actions.
• Aid the investigation of customer complaints, trend them, and communicate findings to customers as appropriate.
• Review contractor/service provider platforms (e.g., pest control) and close out outstanding recommendations in a timely manner; trend results quarterly and raise any issues to the relevant departmental manager.
• Aid in the delivery of technical projects as required by the business and/or for personal development.
• Liaise with the Supplier Assurance Manager to maintain the raw material supplier non‑conformance system and verify corrective actions taken by the supplier.

Qualifications & Experience

• HACCP Level 4 and Food Safety Level 4 desirable.
• Degree/HND in a food‑related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in chilled food manufacturing with chilled ready meals experience essential.
• Experience managing a small team of people.
• Good knowledge of validation and verification.
• Ability to write reports and analyse data.
• Internal auditing qualification (Lead Auditor or similar).
• Sound knowledge of BRC and interpretation of customer policies.
• Experience liaising with customers.