Quality Control Manager

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

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in the UK is seeking a Quality Control Manager to lead a laboratory team. You will ensure compliance with quality standards, manage technical operations, and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has a scientific background and experience in a leadership role within food or FMCG sectors. This position offers significant influence on quality strategy and development opportunities.

Benefits

Clear development pathway

Influence on quality strategy

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a quality or laboratory leadership role, ideally in food, FMCG, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of analytical methods and compliance standards.
• Comfortable managing performance and development for teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of laboratory technicians and analysts.
• Oversee technical operations, method validation, and routine analysis.
• Maintain accreditation and compliance with industry and internal standards.

Skills

Analytical methods knowledge

ISO/FDA standards

Team management

Lean manufacturing principles

Education

Scientific degree or equivalent technical experience

Tools

LIMS

SAP

Job description

A well-established and rapidly growing business within the food and drink manufacturing sector whose site plays a vital role in supplying high-quality, safe products across a broad network.
They have new role for Quality Control Manager to lead a laboratory-based team and ensure ongoing compliance with internal and external quality standards.

As the Quality Control Manager, you will oversee all aspects of laboratory and testing operations on site. This includes managing a team, maintaining third party accreditation, delivering testing capabilities aligned with global quality standards, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.

You will work cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Production, Technical, and Operational stakeholders to deliver consistent product quality and support broader business goals.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead and develop a team of laboratory technicians and analysts.
Oversee technical operations, method validation, and routine analysis.
Maintain accreditation and compliance with industry and internal standards.
Manage analytical equipment, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Ensure delivery of KPIs, root cause investigations, and improvement actions.
Own and manage departmental budgets, including consumables and CAPEX.
Support site-wide audits, projects, and stakeholder requirements.
Drive a continuous improvement culture using lean manufacturing principles.

About You:
Proven experience in a quality or laboratory leadership role, ideally within food, FMCG, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Scientific degree or equivalent technical experience.
Strong knowledge of analytical methods, ISO/FDA standards, and equipment.
Experience managing third party accreditations.
Comfortable managing performance, training, and development for teams.
Familiar with quality systems (LIMS, SAP), reporting tools, and regulatory audits.
Strong communicator with an analytical, detail-focused mindset.

Why Apply?
Join a growing business with strong values and a track record of success.
Lead a key team with real influence on quality strategy and performance.
Gain exposure to a variety of functions and project opportunities.
Clear development pathway within a forward-thinking technical team.

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