Quality Systems Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Banbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A quality assurance recruitment agency based in the UK is seeking a Quality Systems Coordinator to lead audit activities and ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in food manufacturing and strong skills in communication and problem-solving. This role involves significant collaboration across departments to foster a culture of quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in food manufacturing, with 2+ years in senior QA or supervisory role.
• Internal auditing qualification.
• Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP (minimum Level 2).
• Determination and resilience to overcome challenges.
• Self-motivated with excellent time management.

Responsibilities

• Lead all audit activities ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement.
• Manage customer audits and maintain quality standards.
• Monitor changes to customer standards and integrate them into the Quality Management System.
• Collaborate with departments to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate QA team activities related to audits and GMP controls.

Skills

Strong communication

Influencing skills

Negotiation skills

Time management

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

Tools

Standard software systems

Job description

Quality Systems Coordinator

Reports to: Technical Manager

Direct Reports: None

Date: September 2025

Role Overview

As the Quality Systems Coordinator, you will lead all audit activities-internal and external-ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement. You'll manage customer audits, maintain quality standards, and support all departments in achieving food safety, quality, and GMP objectives. Your role is key to fostering a strong quality culture across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit Management - Plan, host, and close out certification and customer audits. Investigate non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
• Pre-Audit Preparation - Conduct pre-audit checks and communicate previous non-conformance areas to relevant teams.
• Compliance Updates - Monitor changes to customer standards and integrate them into the Quality Management System.
• Risk & Reporting - Maintain systems for food safety risk assessments and product quality reporting.
• Continuous Improvement - Promote GMP culture through KPIs and verify corrective actions.
• Internal Auditing - Design and maintain internal audits and environmental monitoring aligned with industry standards.
• Problem Solving - Collaborate with departments to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.
• Risk Escalation - Report significant food safety risks to management promptly.
• QA Team Support - Coordinate QA team activities related to audits, GMP, and HACCP controls.
• Non-Conformance Tracking - Record and analyze process deviations and supplier issues.
• Complaint Investigation - Support investigations into complaints and product failures, monitor corrective actions, and liaise with customers when needed.
• Customer Focus - Ensure high standards are maintained to meet customer requirements.
• System Management - Oversee stock movements in designated areas using enterprise systems.
• Gap Analysis - Conduct assessments against customer requirements.
• Values & Priorities - Demonstrate integrity, respect, and dedication while supporting key business priorities.

Person Specification

Essential

• 5+ years in food manufacturing, with 2+ years in senior QA or supervisory role
• Internal auditing qualification
• Level 3 Food Safety & HACCP (minimum Level 2)
• Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills
• Determination and resilience to overcome challenges
• Self-motivated with excellent time management
• Proficient in standard software systems
• Strong organisational skills

Desirable

• Degree in Food Science or related discipline
• Experience with UK retailers and certifications (e.g., RSPO, HALAL, BRC)

Key Competencies

• Prioritisation
• Customer focus
• Influencing
• Problem solving
• Business acumen (desirable)