Quality Specialist - New Product Introduction

Suntory Beverage & Food; Coleford; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory is seeking an NPI Quality Specialist at our Coleford site to lead quality and food safety for new product introductions, packaging innovations and process changes.

Working with Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and external suppliers, you will ensure launches meet the highest standards from concept through to production, and drive continuous improvement through data and root-cause analysis.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Quality Management or related discipline.
• Experience within the food or beverage manufacturing industry.
• Experience working within Quality Assurance, Food Safety or a related technical function.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and food safety standards such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, GMP or ISO.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to identify trends and solve problems.
• Experience conducting investigations, root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Excellent communication, project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality and food safety activities for new product, packaging and process introductions.
• Coordinate quality requirements across cross-functional project teams.
• Conduct risk assessments, validations and verification activities for new launches.
• Analyse quality data, investigate issues and drive corrective and preventative actions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the site.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Provide guidance and training on quality and food safety requirements.
• Monitor quality performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory standards.

Skills

Food industry experience

QA / Food Safety experience

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder management

Multitasking

Attention to detail

NPI experience

Packaging development

Change management

Lean/Continuous Improvement

SAP experience

Education

Food Science degree

Engineering degree

Quality Management degree

Tools

GMP knowledge

HACCP knowledge

ISO knowledge

FSSC 22000 knowledge

SAP experience

Job description

About your role

About You

You are naturally curious and enjoy understanding how things work. You ask questions, look beyond the obvious, and use data and structured problem-solving techniques to get to the root of issues. You'll bring experience from a food or beverage manufacturing environment and have a strong quality mindset. You're comfortable working independently, taking ownership of projects, and building relationships across different functions. Whether you're launching a new product, introducing new packaging, or managing process changes, you stay organised, adaptable, and focused on delivering high standards. You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change, and you're confident communicating with stakeholders at all levels of the business.

About Your Role

At Suntory, quality and food safety are at the heart of everything we do. As our NPI Quality Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring the successful introduction of new products, packaging innovations, and process changes across our Coleford manufacturing site. Working closely with teams across Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering and external suppliers, you'll help ensure new launches meet the highest quality and food safety standards from concept through to production. You'll also support the continuous improvement of our Quality & Food Safety systems, using data, risk assessment and root cause analysis to drive performance and prevent issues before they happen.

What You'll Do

• Lead quality and food safety activities for new product, packaging and process introductions
• Coordinate quality requirements across cross-functional project teams
• Conduct risk assessments, validations and verification activities for new launches
• Analyse quality data, investigate issues and drive corrective and preventative actions
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the site
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure quality standards are consistently met
• Provide guidance and training on quality and food safety requirements
• Monitor quality performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement
• Support compliance with food safety, quality and regulatory standards

What's in it for you

At Suntory, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of some of the world's most loved beverage brands while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. You'll be part of a business that values curiosity, continuous improvement and personal development. We'll give you the freedom to bring your ideas, challenge the status quo and make a real impact from day one. You'll also join a company committed to helping people grow their careers while creating drinks that consumers love.

What You need to be successful

Essential

• Degree qualified in Food Science, Engineering, Quality Management or a related discipline
• Experience within the food or beverage manufacturing industry
• Experience working within Quality Assurance, Food Safety or a related technical function
• Knowledge of quality management systems and food safety standards such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, GMP or ISO
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to identify trends and solve problems
• Experience conducting investigations, root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
• Excellent communication, project management and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability and attention to detail

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects
• Knowledge of packaging development or liquid/product formulation introductions
• Change management experience
• Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing or TPM experience
• Experience working with SAP or other quality management systems

Who We Are

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world's leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.