The Role
This is a senior, hands-on quality leadership role within a high-care, protein-led food manufacturing operation supplying major UK retailers. You’ll take day-to-day ownership of QA standards, compliance, and team performance, acting as the technical conscience of the site.
This role suits a proactive QA Manager who is comfortable being visible on the factory floor, confident dealing with customers and auditors, and capable of running the QA function without being micromanaged.
Key Responsibilities
Quality & Food Safety Leadership
*
Lead and manage the site QA function, ensuring full compliance with BRCGS, HACCP, food safety, and customer codes of practice
*
Maintain and continually improve the site QMS, ensuring audit readiness at all times
*
Act as the key point of contact for customer visits, audits, and technical queries
Factory Floor & Compliance
*
Maintain strong floor presence across all shifts, embedding a right-first-time, food safety culture
*
Manage non-conformances, corrective actions, root cause analysis, and close-out
*
Ensure effective GMP, hygiene, foreign body control, and traceability systems
People Leadership
*
Lead, coach, and develop the QA team, including QA Supervisors and Technologists
*
Manage QA rotas, training plans, and competency frameworks
*
Hold individuals to account while maintaining a pragmatic, solutions-led approach
Customer, Supplier & Cross-Functional Engagement
*
Support complaint investigations and customer responses within agreed SLAs
*
Work closely with Production, Engineering, Hygiene, and Supply Chain to balance quality, yield, and throughput
*
Engage with suppliers where required on quality, specifications, and risk mitigation
About You
*
Proven experience in a Senior QA Manager / QA Manager / Lead QA role within protein, poultry, meat, or high-risk chilled food manufacturing
*
Strong working knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation, and retailer standards
*
Comfortable leading teams and challenging standards on the factory floor
*
Calm, credible, and commercially aware — able to protect the brand without blocking the business
*
Confident with audits, customers, and internal stakeholders
What’s on Offer
*
c. £45,000 salary reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role
*
A stable, well-invested food business with a serious approach to quality and compliance
*
A role with real influence over standards, culture, and outcomes
*
Long-term progression within a wider protein manufacturing group