Quality Assurance Lead

Vickerstock; Coleraine; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Healthcare

Matched pension

Benefits platform offering retail-dis\

Job summary

Vickerstock, in partnership with a leading dairy manufacturer, is seeking a Quality Assurance Lead for its Coleraine site on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. You will lead food safety and quality on the production floor, directing the Compliance Auditor and Laboratory team to uphold GMP and quality standards.

You’ll coordinate audits, drive continuous improvement, and liaise with customers and suppliers, ensuring timely implementation of corrective actions and training to elevate quality

Qualifications

• Experience in a Quality Management role within the food industry.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in a food-related subject.
• An auditing qualification, with proven auditing experience.
• HACCP Level 3.
• Knowledge of customer portals and systems, such as SAP and Intelex.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead food safety and quality standards across the production floor.
• Manage and develop the Compliance Auditor and Laboratory team.
• Ensure compliance with company, customer, quality, safety and environmental standards.
• Conduct audits, complete customer standards gap analyses and oversee corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement using structured problem-solving tools.
• Maintain GMP, product quality and factory hygiene standards.
• Manage customer and third-party audits, ensuring findings are addressed promptly.
• Investigate non-conformances and ensure timely closure of actions.
• Support training and coaching to strengthen quality standards across teams.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers, including attending customer meetings and site visits as required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in food-related subject

Auditing qualification

HACCP Level 3

Tools

SAP

Intelex

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a leading dairy manufacturing business to recruit a Quality Assurance Lead for their manufacturing site based in Coleraine, on a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead Food Safety and Quality standards on the production floor, managing laboratory and compliance teams while driving continuous improvement, problem-solving and a strong quality culture.

What's in it for you?

• 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract
• 25 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays
• Healthcare
• Matched pension scheme
• Benefits platform offering retail discounts and cashback

The Role

• Lead food safety and quality standards across the production floor.
• Manage and develop the Compliance Auditor and Laboratory team.
• Ensure compliance with company, customer, quality, safety and environmental standards.
• Conduct audits, complete customer standards gap analyses and oversee corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement using structured problem-solving tools.
• Maintain GMP, product quality and factory hygiene standards.
• Manage customer and third-party audits, ensuring findings are addressed promptly.
• Investigate non-conformances and ensure timely closure of actions.
• Support training and coaching to strengthen quality standards across teams.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers, including attending customer meetings and site visits as required.

What you'll need

• Experience in a Quality Management role within the food industry.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in a food-related subject.
• An auditing qualification, either internal or external, alongside proven auditing experience.
• HACCP Level 3.
• Knowledge of customer portals and systems, such as SAP and Intelex.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Criteria (it would be great if you have these but don't worry if you don't!)

• Knowledge of CIP systems.