Job Description Job Title: Quality Group Leader Location: Dorset Salary: £38,000 – £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 & 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. Review and maintain cleaning instructions to ensure correct methods are followed and standards are achieved. Support the HACCP team as required. Coordinate product and environmental sampling. Prepare governance reports and supporting documentation. 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. Maintain audit templates and procedures and provide coaching to internal auditors. Support the Technical Manager in maintaining a constant state of audit readiness. 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. Manage export documentation linked to traceability. Assess and manage product concessions, including risk assessments and trend analysis to reduce recurrence. Conduct gap analyses and improvement planning. Verify packaging artwork against approved standards and maintain reference samples. Oversee inline packaging verification systems. Act as subject matter expert for CCP equipment including metal detection, X-ray, coding systems, and check weighing. Maintain factory standards to ensure continuous audit readiness. Develop KPI and performance reports as required. Conduct traceability exercises and investigations. Support procedural reviews and system updates. Undertake ad hoc projects aligned with business needs. Deputise for the Technical Manager when required. Provide hands-on support within the quality team during operational needs. Experience Minimum 5 years’ experience within the food industry Experience working with quality management systems Practical knowledge of GMP and quality assurance principles Validation design and implementation Traceability systems Internal auditing and gap analysis Experience managing a small team is desirable Understanding of food information regulations and customer portals Food-related qualification or relevant degree HACCP Level 2 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 Proficient in Microsoft Office Clear written and verbal communication Positive and proactive approach Continuous improvement mindset Ability to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels Professional integrity If you are interested in this position, please forward your CV to jack.thomson@drnewitt.com, or call Jack on 0131 226 5060.