Job Title: Quality Group Leader
Location: Dorset
Salary: GBP 37,000 GBP 40,000
Shift Pattern: 3 on / 3 off, 6:00am 6:00pm
Reports to: Technical Manager
Purpose of the Role
To lead a small quality team and ensure compliance with food safety, customer, and certification standards. The role supports continuous improvement initiatives and maintains robust due diligence across site operations.
Key Duties, Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Carry out food safety risk assessments.
Manage validation activities including CCP, allergen cleaning, vegan cleaning, and prerequisite validations in line with customer and regulatory standards. Develop validation schedules, conduct validations and verifications, and coach team members in correct execution.
Support the HACCP team as required.
Conduct internal audits including quality systems, fabrication, CCPs, GMP, traceability, and mass balance audits in line with the audit schedule.
Analyse non:conformance trends and work cross:functionally to implement corrective and preventative actions addressing root causes. Ensure timely closure of actions.
Ensure CCP personnel are trained to current procedures and that production records are completed to standard.
Manage pest control compliance, review contractor reports, and coordinate corrective actions.
Coordinate certification audits and provide relevant site training.
Supervise Quality Control Technicians covering intake checks, complaints handling, and export documentation as delegated. Deliver training and on:the:job coaching. Provide operational cover when required.
Manage team HR processes including development plans, reviews, absence management, and performance matters with HR support.
Maintain internal raw material specifications, approved supplier documentation, traceability lists, and intake records. Oversee sampling and laboratory submissions. Lead investigations into customer complaints.
Verify packaging artwork against approved standards and maintain reference samples.
Maintain factory standards to ensure continuous audit readiness.
Develop KPI and performance reports as required.
Conduct traceability exercises and investigations.
Deputise for the Technical Manager when required.
Experience
Minimum 5 years experience within the food industry
Experience working with quality management systems
Experience managing a small team is desirable
Understanding of food information regulations and customer portals
Food:related qualification or relevant degree
HACCP Level 2 and Food Safety Level 3
Key Skills
Strong organisational and administrative ability
Deadline:driven with effective time management
Analytical and problem:solving skills
People management capability
Clear written and verbal communication
Positive and proactive approach