QC Manager
Location: Stockbridge, Hampshire
Reporting to: CEO
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (flexibility required depending on business needs)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Role Overview
We’re pleased to be working exclusively with a leading food and beverage manufacturer to recruit a QC Manager. This vital role leads the site’s Quality Control and Technical function, ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation, ISO standards, and customer specifications.
The QC Manager plays a key role in maintaining product integrity, supporting operational performance, and driving continuous improvement across quality and environmental systems.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management
* Ensure all products meet customer and legal standards through close collaboration with Production.
* Manage and coach the QC Administrator, ensuring completion of daily quality tasks.
* Lead the Quality and Environmental Management System (QEMS), including documentation and risk assessments.
* Liaise with customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory bodies on all technical matters.
* Oversee microbiological testing, GMP swabbing, sample analysis, and escalate issues where necessary.
* Act as primary contact for the Environment Agency, EHO, and other external authorities.
* Investigate non-conformances and customer complaints, ensuring root cause and corrective actions are implemented.
* Conduct internal audits, monitor legislative updates, and manage supplier audits.
* Maintain quarantine systems and support trade licence renewals.
Technical Leadership
* Participate in HACCP, Health & Safety, and Environmental committees.
* Ensure HACCP-aligned Pre-requisite Programmes are up to date.
* Maintain ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification and lead audit preparation and execution.
* Manage documentation, technical specifications, and support new product development.
* Complete technical and sustainability questionnaires for customers and suppliers.
* Oversee pest control, waste management, cleaning contractors, and environmental reporting.
* Manage supplier approvals, ethical audits, TACCP/VACCP processes, and site risk registers.
* Maintain H&S records, training logs, PPE compliance, and visitor documentation
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in a senior QC or technical role within the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
* In-depth knowledge of HACCP, food safety legislation, ISO 9001/14001, and quality systems.
* Skilled in managing audits and communicating with external bodies.
* Strong technical understanding of microbiological, chemical, and environmental monitoring.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
* SHEQ qualifications (e.g., NEBOSH, Lead Auditor) are highly desirable.