Quality Systems Manager

Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd; South Hams; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organic food company in the UK seeks a Quality Systems Manager to enhance food safety and quality processes. You will manage a technical team and ensure compliance with organic standards. Ideal candidates have proven experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to contribute to a sustainable food mission.

Benefits

33 days holiday (pro rata)

Company pension scheme

Annual profit share

Discounted organic meals

Free organic produce

Free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading quality or technical teams in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and experience in QMS implementation.
• Expert understanding of food safety legislation and HACCP principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of a comprehensive Quality Management System.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and organic standards.
• Manage the central technical quality team and collaborate across the business.

Skills

Leadership & Team Development

Quality Management Systems & Compliance

Customer Satisfaction & Complaints Management

Cross-Business Collaboration

Job description

Overview

Work with us at Riverford, and join a thriving employee-owned business. Be part of a supportive, down-to-earth and solutions driven procurement team. Beyond the Veg Box - At Riverford, our passion for organic vegetables is unmatched. We’re not just about delivering veg boxes; we're dedicated to sustainable farming and community building. As a part of our team, you become a co-owner, sharing in our successes and contributing to a mission that goes beyond profit. We aim to make Riverford a fulfilling place to work, where our co-owners feel valued.

Our HQ at Wash Farm in Devon is a beautiful place to work, surrounded by good people, good food, and plenty of fresh air. As a co-owner, you’ll benefit from 33 days holiday (pro rata, including bank holidays), an ethical & generous company pension scheme, and an annual profit share, where 10% of all profits are split equally among co-owners. We also offer heavily discounted organic breakfasts and lunches, free organic fruit and veg to take home and free parking.

Grow with Riverford - Take the next step in your personal and professional journey with training tailored to help you grow and achieve your goals.

Role

As our Quality Systems Manager, you’ll help shape Riverford’s future. Riverford delivers fresh, seasonal, organic food to thousands of customers weekly across the UK. Our technical and quality teams are essential to protecting the integrity of our products and upholding the organic, ethical, and food safety standards that underpin our reputation and success.

This role is part of the growth and evolution of our Supply Chain and Technical structure. You’ll be responsible for leading the implementation, development, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive, business-wide Quality Management System (QMS). Your work will ensure we meet the highest standards in food safety, quality, organic compliance, and ESG across all Riverford operations.

This role requires a structured, strategic approach to delivery, balanced with an understanding of Riverford’s values and operational realities. You’ll work closely with your team, supply chain, production, procurement, commercial and home delivery teams to ensure quality systems are aligned with our long-term goals and operational needs. You’ll also support consistent quality leadership across the business — including at additional packing sites and our butchery — to embed best practice, capability, and continuous improvement.

You’ll line manage the central technical quality team, providing direction, support, and development, while also contributing to Riverford’s business-wide quality strategy. The role requires deep technical knowledge in developing and implementing quality management systems in a food business, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate and influence across all levels of the business.

Salary & Location

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum depending on experience

Location: This role is based at Wash Barn, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JU. We’re tucked away in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by fields rather than bus stops. You’ll need to live locally and have your own transport to get here.

Hours

40 hours per week, Monday - Friday

What You’ll Bring

• Leadership & Team Development
• Quality Management Systems & Compliance
• Strategic Quality Delivery
• Customer Satisfaction & Complaints Management
• Audit & Regulatory Management
• Cross-Business Collaboration
• Development & Progression

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience leading quality or technical teams in a food manufacturing, supply chain, or retail environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and experience implementing a full Quality Management System.
• Expert understanding of food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and quality control processes.
• Experience managing or supporting organic certification (e.g. Soil Association).
• Experience coordinating or leading third-party or regulatory audits.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence across all business levels.

Application

Application Process: We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the advert early, so we encourage you to apply soon.