Quality Assurance Manager - Retail in Merthyr Tydfil

Energy Jobline ZR; Merthyr Tydfil; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food company in Merthyr Tydfil is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead food safety and quality compliance. The role involves managing a QA team, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and driving continuous improvement in quality systems. Candidates should possess a qualification in Food Science, Level 4 HACCP, and strong auditing experience. Competitive benefits include subsidised meals, annual leave, and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Subsidised canteen

31 days annual leave

Employee Discount Platform

Company pension

Bike to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline.
• Level 4 HACCP certification required.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, TACCP, VACCP, and UK/EU food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Assurance function ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality systems.
• Manage the QA team and oversee compliance audits.

Skills

Knowledge of food safety regulations

HACCP certification

Auditing experience

Management skills

Education

Qualification in Food Science or Food Technology

Level 4 HACCP certification

Job description

Job Description

Kepak is a global food company serving international retailers and food service household names with prime cuts of meat, on-trend food concepts and ready-for-market convenience foods.

Kepak St. Merryn in Merthyr Tydfil has combined beef and lamb processing and packing facilities. We offer beef and lamb products ranging from retail ready cuts for butchers' counters to branded packaged meat, all as part of our service; raised on open pastures, sourced from local farmers and hand‑selected by our master butchers, we produce beef and lamb products with integrity and unmatched quality assurance.

We are currently recruiting for a Quality Assurance Manager at our busy Merthyr Tydfil site. This full-time, permanent position works Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm.

Role Structure

Reports to: Head of Food Safety and Quality Retail

Direct Reports: 1–4 QA Leads

Role Purpose

To lead the Quality Assurance function within the retail manufacturing unit, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality compliance. This role is pivotal in maintaining regulatory and customer standards, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of accountability, food safety and quality excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Health, Safety and Wellbeing
  • Ensure full compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Promote a culture of safety‑first across the QA team and wider site.
  • Monitor and report on H&S metrics and provide support to site teams on issue identification and follow‑up.
• Quality Assurance Management
  • Lead and manage the QA team in implementing and maintaining robust food safety and quality systems.
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP, TACCP, VACCP, and BRCGS standards.
  • Ensure the QA team complies to site standards.
  • Support the site team in ensuring all QA documentation is up to date and providing regular updates on QA monitoring and results.
  • Support the operational function to own product quality control & delivery.
  • Drive decision making based on risk assessment for product & processes.
• QA Compliance
  • Liaise with the site food safety and compliance manager to support and continuously improve the site's QMS.
  • Set up regular management routines with the QA team to monitor performance.
  • Ensure products are produced to meet customer specifications, via direct assessment and facilitating operational ownership.
  • Attend site meetings and contribute positively and constructively to food safety performance.
  • Ensure alignment with customer, regulatory, and third‑party standards.
  • Provide input for technical and operational SOPs to ensure QA compliance is embedded into operational and quality control processes.
• Food Safety Excellence
  • Drive continuous improvement in quality systems and product standards.
  • Be proactive in identifying areas for improvement in terms of ensuring best in class QA standards for customers.
  • Contribute to site CI initiative development and delivery by providing QA input and participation in project teams.
  • Set up and monitor QA performance dashboard and share insights & trends to identify areas for improvement.
  • Keep informed of industry best practices and regulatory changes and communicate to QA team.
  • Keep up to date on digital technology to enhance and streamline QA processes and document management.
• Risk & Incident Management
  • Conduct regular risk assessments and root cause analysis for quality and food safety incidents.
  • Monitor customer claims and complaints to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions, verifying compliance.
  • Oversee response times to complaints in line with company and customer expectations.
  • Provide regular updates to site management on QA risks and incidents.
• Audits & Inspections
  • Ensure the site is always audit‑ready, working closely and coaching the required standards cross‑functionally.
  • Ensure all records and documents are maintained, assessing compliance to processes.
  • Lead QA preparation and response for customer, third‑party, and regulatory audits including mock product recalls and traceability exercises.
  • Support the Food Safety and Quality team on site during internal and third‑party audits including completion and verification of traceability traces and validation as required.
  • Keep records of audit performance to share with wider teams.
  • Monitor and investigate non‑conformances and work cross‑functionally to find effective resolutions and verify compliance routinely.
• Food Safety Training Compliance
  • Oversee QA training programmes.
  • Ensure all team members are trained and competent in food safety and quality procedures.

Role Qualification & Skills

• Qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline.
• Level 4 HACCP certification (required).
• Auditing experience required.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, TACCP, VACCP, and UK/EU food safety regulations.
• Experience in managing audits and liaising with external stakeholders.
• Proven track record in food safety compliance and quality systems management.
• Knowledge of animal welfare standards.

Benefits

• Subsidised canteen serving multiple hot food options for breakfast and lunch.
• 31 days annual leave per year (after probation).
• Employee Discount Platform – access to the WrkIt platform with significant discounts and cashback.
• Hamper at Christmas for all employees.
• Company pension.
• Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to €500 for referring a friend or family member.
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program – support for mental health, wellbeing, family advice, debt management, back‑to‑work, and counselling.
• Long Service Awards – recognition of dedication and valuable contribution.
• Bike to Work Scheme – buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary‑sacrifice scheme.