Head of Quality - Permanent, Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex
Posted 1 day ago
Salary £55000 – £65000 per annum
Responsibilities
* Maintain the Approved Supplier List and Approved Grower List, ensuring accuracy and circulation.
* Oversee compliance and manage retraction/updates as required. Ensure daily order sheets are completed and accurate.
* Maintain customer specifications and ensure team compliance. Oversee weekly information packs for internal/external stakeholders.
* Manage intake inspections for grape, citrus, apple, and kiwi consignments.
* Ensure red label (concessionary) product is correctly controlled.
* Ensure returned/rejected product is re-inspected, root cause investigated, and corrective action taken.
* Oversee contingency purchases and product liability matters.
* Manage shelf-life testing and reporting.
* Oversee APG positive release procedures (grower/shipper checks).
* Conduct regular stock reviews and cold store checks.
* Ensure check-weighing and weights/measures compliance.
* Monitor clandestine contamination, food safety, and DEFRA audit procedures (e.g. PHEATS).
* Ensure correct policies and procedures for equipment calibration and use.
* Lead the QC team: recruitment, training, PPE provision, internal performance reviews.
* Manage staff motivation, discipline, absence, and sickness.
* Maintain training records and ensure all QC staff are trained in required procedures.
* Provide input into operational meetings and ensure effective communication across the team.
* Ensure compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
Qualifications
* HACCP trained.
* You must have a minimum of 3 – 5 years working within a fresh produce pack-house or grower.
* Senior QC/technical role in fresh produce.
* Experience managing citrus/grape categories.
* Strong quality management skills.
* Effective communicator at all levels.
* Administrative and organisational skills.
* IT literate: Microsoft Word, Excel, and bespoke systems (Prophet or Rubicon).
* Ability to adapt and prioritise in a changing environment.
* Self-motivated and proactive.
* Methodical thinker with problem-solving ability.
* Strong leadership and team management skills.
* Resilient, adaptable, and detail focused.
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