Quality Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd. is seeking a Quality Manager to oversee food safety, product quality, and legal compliance across site operations in Greater Manchester.

The role focuses on maintaining high standards from intake through to dispatch, ensuring products meet customer specifications, retailer requirements, and shelf-life expectations. You will implement HACCP plans, manage audits and certifications, and lead a QA team to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or a related discipline; or minimum 3 years' experience in food industry.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety legislation.
• Experience with BRCGS and retailer technical standards.
• Proven ability to manage audits, compliance processes, and corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain HACCP plans and food safety management systems relevant to fresh produce.
• Ensure compliance with UK and EU food safety legislation, retailer standards, and certification schemes such as BRCGS.
• Manage internal audits, customer audits, and third-party certification processes.
• Monitor incoming produce for quality, specification adherence, and pesticide residue compliance.
• Oversee grading, packing, and storage processes to protect freshness, quality, and shelf life.
• Manage allergen controls, traceability procedures, and accurate labelling for mixed produce packs.
• Analyse quality data, including defect rates and shelf-life testing, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead, train, and develop the QA team, including seasonal staff, on hygiene, handling practices, and quality procedures.
• Handle customer complaints promptly and work closely with growers and suppliers to maintain raw material quality and compliance.

Skills

HACCP knowledge

Food safety

Audits management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Food Science

Job description

Quality Manager

Location: Greater Manchester

Salary: £45 000 - £50 000

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to oversee food safety, product quality, and legal compliance across site operation. This Quality Manager position is focused on maintaining high standards from intake through to dispatch, ensuring products meet customer specifications, retailer requirements, and shelf-life expectations. It is an excellent opportunity for a Quality Manager who enjoys driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Day-to-day of the role

• Implement and maintain HACCP plans and food safety management systems relevant to fresh produce.
• Ensure compliance with UK and EU food safety legislation, retailer standards, and certification schemes such as BRCGS.
• Manage internal audits, customer audits, and third-party certification processes.
• Monitor incoming produce for quality, specification adherence, and pesticide residue compliance.
• Oversee grading, packing, and storage processes to protect freshness, quality, and shelf life.
• Manage allergen controls, traceability procedures, and accurate labelling for mixed produce packs.
• Analyse quality data, including defect rates and shelf-life testing, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead, train, and develop the QA team, including seasonal staff, on hygiene, handling practices, and quality procedures.
• Handle customer complaints promptly and work closely with growers and suppliers to maintain raw material quality and compliance.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or a related discipline, or a minimum of 3 years' experience within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety legislation.
• Experience working with BRCGS, and retailer technical standards.
• Proven ability to manage audits, compliance processes, and corrective actions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, seasonal environment and adapt to changing demands.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.