Role: Quality & Technical Lead
Overview
This is a pivotal leadership position within a fast-growing team in the soft drinks sector. The role focuses on safeguarding product quality, ensuring compliance across multiple markets, and driving continuous improvement while supporting innovation and scale.
Key Responsibilities
* Quality Management Systems: Develop and maintain robust QMS, HACCP, and food safety documentation.
* Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to UK, EU, and US regulations, including labelling, product safety, and export laws. Provide regulatory support for new product development.
* Quality Assurance: Implement raw material checks, in-process controls, and finished product evaluations, including microbiological and chemical testing.
* Supplier Oversight: Audit suppliers and co-manufacturers, manage quality agreements, and maintain standards.
* Training & Audits: Train staff on compliance, lead internal audits, and prepare for external audits.
* Continuous Improvement: Investigate non-conformances, manage corrective actions, and use data-driven insights to improve processes.
* Leadership: Manage and develop a small technical team, collaborate cross-functionally, and support NPD projects with technical and regulatory expertise.
Skills & Experience
* Strong knowledge of food safety systems (BRCGS, HACCP, SALSA, ISO).
* 3–4 years’ experience in food, beverage, brewing, or FMCG manufacturing.
* Expertise in microbiology, chemical analysis, and sensory evaluation.
* Understanding of EU/US regulatory frameworks and labelling laws.
* Practical knowledge of brewing and packaging processes.
* Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with audit experience.
* Competent in MS Office and digital tools (QMS, ERP, LIMS desirable).