Quality Assurance Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Banbury; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK seeks a Quality Assurance Manager to lead quality systems, manage audits, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in food manufacturing and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include maintaining the Quality Management System and driving continuous improvement across teams. This position offers a salary of £50,000 per annum and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in food manufacturing, including 2+ years in a senior QA or supervisory role.
• Internal auditing qualification.
• Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal audits and support external audits, closing non-conformances promptly.
• Maintain and improve the site Quality Management System.
• Drive GMP culture and implement KPIs.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Influencing skills

Proficiency in standard software systems

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager
Reports to: Technical Manager
Direct Reports: 3 QA, 3 QC, 1 Warehouse QA, 1 Quality Control Coordinator
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Location: Banbury

Role Overview

As Quality Assurance Manager, you will lead our quality systems and internal audit programs, ensuring compliance with food safety, GMP, and customer standards. You'll champion a culture of continuous improvement, manage external audits, and provide technical support across all departments to maintain the highest standards of product integrity and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

(This list is not exhaustive and may evolve with business needs)

• Audit Management: Lead internal audits, support external audits, and close non-conformances promptly.
• Quality Systems & Compliance: Maintain and improve the site Quality Management System in line with BRCGS and customer codes.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive GMP culture, implement KPIs, and trend data to prevent recurrence of issues.
• Laboratory Oversight: Schedule and supervise testing, verify results, and ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
• Team Leadership: Manage and motivate the Quality team, ensuring tasks meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare reports, maintain document control, and oversee calibration and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Values & Collaboration: Uphold company values and work cross-functionally to resolve issues and implement sustainable solutions.

Person Specification

Essential:

• 5+ years in food manufacturing, including 2+ years in a senior QA or supervisory role.
• Internal auditing qualification.
• Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP.
• Strong communication, influencing, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in standard software systems.

Desirable:

• Degree in Food Science or related field.
• Experience with UK retailers and knowledge of customer codes (RSPO, HALAL, BRC)