Technical And Compliance Lead - Fresh Produce

D R Newitt & Associates; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company in Canterbury is seeking a Quality Control Manager to oversee compliance and product quality. Responsibilities include leading the Quality Control team, conducting audits, and monitoring efficiency metrics. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food manufacturing and excellent communication skills, along with necessary hygiene certifications. This role offers the opportunity to drive continuous quality improvements while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing specifications with efficiency monitoring capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Organizational and time management skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Control team to ensure product standards.
• Monitor production KPIs and efficiency.
• Conduct compliance checks and audits as required.
• Investigate customer complaints and non-conformance issues.

Skills

Positive can-do attitude

Understanding of food manufacturing specifications

Strong interpersonal skills

Proficiency in Excel

Level 2 Hygiene awareness

Level 2 HACCP certification

Job description

Job Purpose

• Complete technical compliance tasks supporting the General Packhouse Manager.
• Lead the Quality Control team to ensure all products meet internal and customer standards.
• Monitor and improve production KPIs, focusing on efficiency and reducing packaging waste.

Main Accountabilities

• Complete technical compliance checks on suppliers, customers, and growers.
• Manage external pest control contractors & conduct internal audits according to schedule.
• Investigate customer complaints and product non-conformance issues (root cause analysis).
• Prepare and circulate monthly reports for:
  • Quality Service Levels
  • CCPM information
  • Shelf-life analysis
• Organize yearly calibration arrangements.
• Prepare for management and compliance meetings.
• Carry out GMP and hygiene checks and ensure all compliance, quality assessments, and traceability documentation meet industry standards.
• Support on the production floor when necessary to ensure customer orders are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF).
• Monitor and improve production team efficiency through training, support, and feedback.
• Support the QA team and Line Leaders to reduce packaging waste.
• Collaborate closely with the Planning & Packing Manager to build an effective, high-performing team.
• Maintain excellent hygiene standards throughout the facility by ensuring all staff comply with company policies, procedures, and Health & Safety rules.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Positive “can-do” attitude with flexibility and initiative.
• Understanding of fresh produce or food manufacturing specifications with experience in efficiency monitoring (LEAN qualification preferred).
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and strong organizational/time management skills.
• Level 2 Hygiene and Food Safety Awareness, Level 2 HACCP certification.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Continuous improvement in KPI results.
• All QA paperwork completed On Time In Full (OTIF).
• Zero rejections linked to quality or labeling errors.
• Intake issues identified and reported immediately.