Senior QA -Raw Meat

Aspire Recruitment; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Quality Assurance Manager in the meat industry based in Greater Manchester. The role involves overseeing quality control, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and leading quality improvement initiatives. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in quality assurance within the food industry, especially meat processing, and a degree in a relevant field is preferred. This full-time position includes competitive benefits like holidays, pension, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Holidays

Pension

Free onsite parking

Mobile provided

Career development

Bonus scheme

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in quality assurance in the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and relevant food legislation.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated individual.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct daily inspections and quality checks.
• Ensure compliance with food safety authorities and standards.
• Maintain quality and compliance documentation.
• Investigate product non-conformances and document CAPA.
• Assist in training production staff on hygiene protocols.

Skills

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Senior QA Job Description: Raw Meat Industry

Job Title: Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Location: Greater Manchester

Reports To: Director

Job Type: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm (flexible within business operating hours of 5:00am - 6:00pm)

Position Summary

The Senior QA Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of the site's food safety and quality management systems. This role ensures all meat processing activities comply with internal quality standards, national food safety laws (e.g., USDA/FDA/BRC), and customer specifications. The successful candidate will be a key liaison with production teams and regulatory agents, driving a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Control & Assurance: Oversee and conduct daily inspections and quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure adherence to specifications and hygiene standards.
• Compliance & Audits: Ensure full compliance with all relevant food safety authorities and international standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, BRC, ISO 22000). Prepare for and actively participate in internal, third-party, and regulatory audits.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date quality and compliance documentation, including SOPs, traceability records, and audit logs. Generate and analyse data/KPIs for management review and continuous improvement.
• Non-Conformances & CAPA: Investigate and document product non-conformances and deviations. Coordinate the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and manage the "hold" procedure for any non-conforming stock.
• Training & Mentorship: Assist the QA Manager in training and mentoring production staff on food safety, hygiene protocols, and GMPs, fostering a site-wide quality culture.
• Problem‑Solving & Projects: Collaborate with production, technical, and New Product Development (NPD) teams to resolve factory issues, lead quality improvement initiatives, and support factory trials.
• Laboratory Testing: Liaise with external laboratories for product testing (microbiological, chemical, etc.) and act on any out‑of‑specification results.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: A degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Meat Technology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline is a strong advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 3‑5 years of experience in a quality assurance role within the food manufacturing industry, with specific experience in meat processing highly desirable.
• Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of HACCP principles, GMPs, SSOPs, BRC, and relevant food legislation is essential.
• Skills: Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and analytical skills. Must be detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, and have the ability to lead and influence a team.
• Work Environment: Ability to work in a production environment which may include standing for extended periods, cold temperatures, and loud noises.

Benefits

• Holidays
• Pension
• Free onsite parking
• Mobile provided
• Career development Progression opportunities
• Bonus scheme / Car allowance can be incorporated as a package
• Staff events/social

To apply, send your CV to (url removed) or call Helen on (phone number removed).

This vacancy is being handled by Aspire Recruitment. Due to high application volumes, we will only contact you within 14 days if selected for interview. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to Aspire Recruitment keeping you informed about future opportunities.