Quality & Technical Manager

Lab Nineteen; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in food manufacturing is seeking a Quality & Technical Manager to lead their operations towards excellence in food safety and quality compliance. This role offers the chance to influence quality standards and work on exciting new product developments. With responsibilities ranging from managing food safety systems to leading a high-performing team, this position is perfect for someone with a strong background in food production and a passion for continuous improvement. Join a dynamic and growing business where your expertise will make a significant impact.

Benefits

Pension

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for career advancement

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a senior QA or Technical role within food manufacturing.
• Proven experience in setting up and managing food production sites.
• In-depth knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 22000, and major retailer standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage food safety systems including HACCP and BRCGS compliance.
• Lead the technical setup of new production sites and oversee quality control.
• Manage supplier audits and ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.

Skills

Quality Assurance Management

Food Safety Management

HACCP

ISO Standards

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication

Food Microbiology

Education

Degree in Food Science

HACCP Level 4 Certification

Food Safety Level 4 Certification

Lead Auditor Certification

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Lab Nineteen. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Job Purpose:

A leading food manufacturing and distribution company is seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality & Technical Manager to ensure their food manufacturing and distribution operations meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legal compliance. This is a leadership role ideal for someone with a strong background in setting up and running food production facilities and a deep understanding of BRCGS, ISO standards, and continuous quality improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality & Food Safety Management

• Develop, implement, and manage robust food safety systems, including HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP.
• Ensure full compliance with BRCGS, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and relevant retailer standards.
• Lead internal and external audits, including BRC, customer, and local authority inspections.
• Investigate non-conformances, conduct root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective actions.

2. Technical Leadership & Factory Setup

• Lead the technical setup of new production sites, including facility layout, equipment selection, and process design.
• Establish and maintain quality control procedures from raw material intake to finished goods.
• Oversee hygiene and sanitation programs, including cleaning schedules, pest control, and allergen management.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

3. Supplier & Raw Material Quality Assurance

• Manage the supplier approval process and maintain up-to-date raw material specifications.
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Address and resolve raw material quality issues with suppliers.
• Serve as the main technical liaison for key retail partners.
• Ensure all retailer technical requirements, including specifications, questionnaires, and compliance documentation, are fully met.
• Oversee accurate product labelling, claims verification, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance and Technical team to ensure high performance and engagement.
• Deliver effective food safety and quality training across the business.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and quality excellence.

6. New Product Development (NPD) Support

• Collaborate with NPD teams to support safe and efficient product launches, from trial to full-scale production.
• Review new product formulations, conduct shelf-life evaluations, and validate processes.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior QA or Technical role within food manufacturing.
• Proven experience in setting up and managing food production sites.
• In-depth knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 22000, and major retailer standards.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage quality systems from the ground up.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with high-risk food categories (e.g., chilled, RTE, meat, dairy).
• Background in food microbiology and laboratory testing.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Certifications: HACCP Level 4, Food Safety Level 4, Lead Auditor.

Personal Attributes

• Detail-oriented and methodical.
• Hands-on, proactive, and solution-focused.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience).
• Pension and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to influence and elevate quality standards within a growing, dynamic business.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Accounting/Auditing, Distribution, and Quality Assurance

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Wholesale Food and Beverage, and Food and Beverage Services

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