Food Safety & Quality Manager

Avoca Ireland; Bray; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Avoca Ireland is seeking a Food Safety and Quality Manager to oversee all aspects of our food safety and quality programs. You will develop, implement, and maintain QA systems to ensure regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and product integrity.

You will manage a QC team, drive cultural transformation on site, and liaise with external auditors to ensure successful inspections and certifications. A strong background in HACCP/ISO/BRC standards and staff training is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science or related field; master's preferred.
• 3+ years' experience in food safety and quality management in RTE/BRC environments.
• Auditing qualification/training advantageous.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards (FSSC 22000, SQF) and certifications.
• Experience implementing HACCP, ISO and other food safety systems.
• Strong GMP, sanitation and lab quality control understanding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of food safety and quality assurance.
• Lead a small QC team as part of the site management team.
• Develop and maintain food safety and quality management systems.
• Conduct audits, supplier and internal inspections; drive corrective actions.
• Deliver training on hygiene, GMPs and QA procedures.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to update specs, SOPs and QC checkpoints.
• Investigate customer complaints or non-conformities and resolve them.

Skills

Leadership of cross-functional teams

Training delivery

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HACCP

ISO 22000

FSSC 22000

Job description

Avoca is a leading food manufacturing company in Ireland, dedicated to producing high-quality and safe food products. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, and compliance, we have established ourselves as a trusted brand in the industry. We are currently seeking a skilled and dedicated Food Safety and Quality Manager to join our team and ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality throughout our operations.

The successful candidate will be hired on a 12 month fixed term contract

Job Summary

As the Food Safety and Quality Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of food safety and quality assurance within our organisation. Your primary objective will be to develop, implement, and maintain effective quality control and food safety programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Managing a small team of QCs as part of the site's management team
• Leading change, driving new initiatives and managing a programme of cultural transformation within the site
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive food safety and quality management systems in alignment with applicable regulations, standards, and certifications (e.g., HACCP, ISO, BRC, etc.)
• Establish and enforce robust food safety and quality protocols, policies, and procedures across all areas of the company, including production, warehousing, and distribution
• Managing the sampling and testing programmes, i.e. environmental monitoring programme, product sampling and testing programme, product shelf-life validation studies and maintenance of a documented sampling and testing programme
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to evaluate compliance with food safety and quality standards, identify potential risks, and implement corrective actions as needed
• Monitor and assess supplier performance and raw material quality, ensuring adherence to specifications and conducting supplier audits as necessary
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and update product specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality control checkpoints
• Provide training and guidance to employees at all levels regarding food safety and quality practices, including hygiene, sanitation, GMPs, and quality assurance procedures
• Conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the food safety and quality management systems, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints or product non-conformities related to food safety and quality, ensuring timely and appropriate corrective actions
• Collaborate with external agencies, auditors, and regulatory bodies during inspections, audits, and certifications to ensure compliance and maintain positive relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, microbiology, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred
• 3+ years' experience in a similar role, with a strong background in food safety and quality management within RTE/ BRC manufacturing environment in a technical/ quality capacity
• A food safety and/or quality auditing qualification & training qualification would be advantageous
• In-depth knowledge of relevant food safety regulations, standards (e.g., FSSC 22000, SQF), and certifications
• Experience in implementing and maintaining HACCP, ISO, or other recognized food safety management systems
• Strong understanding of microbiological testing, food analysis, and laboratory quality control procedures
• Excellent knowledge of GMPs, sanitation practices, and quality control methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions
• Proven track record of leading and managing cross-functional teams, as well as implementing training programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including reporting to senior management on food safety performance
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance.

If you are a dedicated and experienced professional with a passion for food safety and quality assurance, and possess the skills and qualifications mentioned above, we invite you to join our team at Avoca. Together, we can ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality, while delivering exceptional products to our customers and maintaining our reputation as an industry leader delivering exceptional food products to our customers while driving operational excellence.