Quality Manager

The Collective Network Limited; Colne; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Collective Network Limited is seeking a Quality Manager in Cambridgeshire. This hands-on role focuses on leading the quality function on the factory floor, driving food safety and quality culture, and influencing the wider business to maintain high standards across the site.

You will work with Operations, Engineering and Technical teams to prevent issues, improve processes and support customer and BRC audits. A hungry, proactive leader will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a quality team in food manufacturing.
• Hands-on leadership on the factory floor preferred.
• Proven ability to drive GMP and HACCP compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small Quality team on site.
• Drive GMP standards across the factory.
• Manage internal audits and support customer and BRC audits.
• Investigate customer complaints and perform robust root-cause analysis.
• Own traceability exercises and food safety verification activities.
• Monitor quality trends and drive cross-functional improvements.
• Support HACCP, TACCP and VACCP compliance.
• Provide cover for Technical Manager when required.
• Lead continuous improvement projects across the site.

Skills

Quality leadership

GMP knowledge

HACCP knowledge

Food safety legislation

Audits (BRC)

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

People development

On‑floor leadership

Job description

Quality Manager
Cambridgeshire
Up to £45,000

Are you the kind of Quality Manager who likes to be on the factory floor rather than hidden behind a desk?
If you're passionate about food safety, enjoy developing people and want to make a genuine impact on quality culture, this could be exactly what you're looking for.

I'm working with a well-established food manufacturer supplying major UK customers. They're investing heavily in their technical function and are looking for a Quality Manager who can lead from the front, influence the wider business and continue driving standards across the site.

This isn't just about ticking boxes.
You’ll be the person people turn to for quality. You’ll work closely with Operations, Engineering and the Technical team to improve standards, solve problems before they become issues and build a culture where food safety and quality are everyone's responsibility.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and developing a small Quality team
• Driving GMP standards across the factory
• Managing internal audits and supporting customer and BRC audits
• Investigating customer complaints and leading robust root cause analysis
• Owning traceability exercises and food safety verification activities
• Monitoring quality trends and working cross-functionally to improve performance
• Supporting HACCP, TACCP and VACCP compliance
• Deputising for the Technical Manager when required
• Playing a key role in continuous improvement projects across the site

What they're looking for

You’ll already have experience in a Quality leadership role within food manufacturing and be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.

Ideally you’ll bring:

• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety legislation
• Experience with BRC and customer audits
• A hands‑on leadership style with the ability to coach and develop others
• Excellent problem‑solving and root cause analysis skills
• Confidence influencing stakeholders across Production, Engineering and Technical
• Laboratory experience would be advantageous but isn't essential

Why this role

This is a business that genuinely values its Technical team. You’ll have the opportunity to influence decisions, develop your career and play a major part in shaping quality standards across the factory. If you enjoy improving processes, developing people and making a visible impact every day, this is a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that.

Please apply or call Owen on (phone number removed) to learn more about the role.