Quality Inspector jobs in United Kingdom

QA Manager – Food Manufacturing

Location: Thetford, Norfolk

Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum (depending on proven experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week (5 × 8‑hour days, initially including Saturdays – moving to a rota basis in 2026)

Start Date: January 2026

My client is a successful and expanding food manufacturing business based in Thetford, recognised for their commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced and motivated QA Manager to join their team from January 2026, leading the Quality Assurance function and embedding a culture of food safety and technical excellence across the business.

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the QA Manager will be responsible for overseeing all QA operations on site, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, customer requirements, and industry standards. This role will play a key part in driving continuous improvement, developing the QA team, and maintaining the highest levels of product quality and food safety.

• Lead, manage, and develop the QA team, setting and maintaining clear standards and objectives.
• Deliver Food Safety and Quality training to production teams across all shifts.
• Work collaboratively with production and hygiene teams (including weekends and evenings) to ensure best practice.
• Support preparation for external and unannounced audits (including BRC), ensuring ongoing audit readiness.
• Conduct internal audits and maintain robust documentation.
• Support the Technical Manager in liaising with external regulatory bodies and customers.
• Monitor customer and consumer complaints and non-conformances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Record and report on KPIs, driving the development of a strong quality culture across site.

You’ll be a proactive and hands‑on QA professional with excellent technical knowledge and leadership skills, ideally gained within a food manufacturing environment.

• Level 3 HACCP qualification.
• HND/BSc in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a QA management role within food manufacturing.
• Level 3 or 4 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum Level 2).
• Strong working knowledge of GMP, SOPs, and FSQ legislation.
• Proven experience managing internal and external audits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving abilities.
• IOSHH training desirable.

• Competitive salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (DOE)
• 40‑hour working week (5 × 8‑hour days)
• Initially includes Saturday working, moving to a rota (1 in 3–4 Saturdays) in 2026
• Genuine opportunity to join a forward‑thinking, quality‑driven food manufacturer

If you’re a talented QA professional ready for your next challenge, please send your CV or contact Katie Dobson at Select Recruitment.