Quality Assurance Manager

Zest; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead a QA team in food manufacturing. This role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards, overseeing daily quality operations, and continually improving quality systems. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Food Science and experience in the food industry, particularly in a leadership capacity.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or related scientific discipline is essential.
• Experience in the food industry with supervisory responsibilities.
• Knowledge of BRC and HACCP standards is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage key QA tasks and oversee daily quality operations.
• Ensure adherence to quality systems across all production stages.
• Lead internal audits and manage customer complaints.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Quality Assurance

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Food Science

Job description

Quality Assurance Manager

Are you an experienced Quality Assurance professional ready to take the next step in your career? Our client is looking for a driven and knowledgeable Quality Assurance Manager to lead and develop a QA team, ensure compliance with industry standards, and support continuous improvement initiatives across our food manufacturing operations.

About the Role -

As a Quality Assurance Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating and managing key QA tasks, overseeing daily quality operations, and ensuring that the highest standards of product quality, safety, and legality are maintained. You'll play a key role in maintaining compliance with food safety standards such as BRC, HACCP, and customer-specific requirements.

This role also involves leading and developing the QA team to ensure the department runs efficiently and effectively. You'll be working cross-functionally with production, engineering, and health & safety teams to uphold and continuously improve quality standards.

Key Responsibilities -

Maintain and ensure adherence to quality systems and procedures across all stages of production.
Collaborate with production and engineering teams to resolve non-conformances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
Co-manage the HACCP system and associated QA documentation.
Coordinate sampling schemes and laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and calibration.
Lead internal audits and support external inspections as required.
Drive improvements in QA systems for better efficiency and data accuracy.
Manage customer complaints with effective root cause analysis and resolution.
Support the professional development, training, and performance management of the QA team.
Contribute to risk assessment reviews and promote Health & Safety initiatives within QA operations.

What We're Looking For -

Essential:
Degree in Food Science or a related scientific discipline.
Experience in the food industry with previous leadership or supervisory responsibilities in a lab or QA setting.
Previous experience working with retailers and to retailer standards.

Desirable:
Working knowledge of BRC and major retailer standards.
Advanced HACCP qualification (Level 4 or equivalent).

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about food safety, quality systems, and team development. If you're looking to join a dynamic environment where your expertise and leadership will make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now to take your next step in Quality Assurance leadership!

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