Purpose of the Role
The QA Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance function on site, setting the QA strategy and managing the performance, development, and coordination of QA Team. This role ensures the consistent implementation of QA policies, supports audit readiness, and promotes a proactive quality culture across operations. Working within the direction set by the Quality and Product Safety Manager and Head of Quality, this role is pivotal in ensuring day-to-day QA excellence, enhancing operational effectiveness, and supporting strategic quality improvement initiatives.
Key responsibilities
* Leadership of QA Operations Lead and manage the QA team to provide consistent quality assurance coverage across all shifts. Build a high-performing, multi-skilled team through coaching, training, and clear performance expectations. Ensure that the QA function operates effectively and in alignment with the wider site food safety and quality strategy.
* Audit Readiness & Compliance Drive a proactive approach to internal and external audit readiness by ensuring systems, documentation, and operational standards are maintained at all times. Support the Product Quality and Safety Manager during BRC, customer, and third-party audits, coordinating pre-audit preparation and leading the closure of any non-conformances and deputise for Product Quality and Safety Manager in times of absence.
* Key Contact for Quality and Customer Relationship Management You will serve as the primary point of contact for all customer quality-related matters, ensuring strong, transparent, and proactive communication. You will build and maintain trusted relationships with customers, addressing quality concerns, supporting issue resolution, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Your role will be critical in representing the voice of the customer internally, ensuring that customer expectations for product quality and service are consistently met or exceeded.
* Operational QA Control Own the delivery of QA checks and verifications at site level, ensuring policies and procedures are followed consistently across all operational areas. Provide direction to the QA team for the execution of day-to-day tasks including foreign body audits, traceability exercises, label checks, and document audits.
* Supplier Non-Conformance Management Manage the site-based non-conformance reporting (NCR) process for suppliers. Ensure accurate logging, investigation, and follow-up of supplier issues, and escalate as required. Support cross-functional collaboration to drive resolution and prevent reoccurrence through root cause analysis.
* Quality Risk Management Lead the delivery and review of QA-related risk assessments, working with relevant teams to ensure risks are identified, mitigated, and controlled effectively. Support the ongoing verification of systems and processes through trend analysis, KPI tracking, and proactive risk-based actions.
* Complaints Improvement Plan Ensuring that the team process and trend complaints providing clear insight and data to spearhead a strategy for reducing customer complaints across all functions by utilising root cause analysis and cross functional collaboration to promote long-term product and process enhancements.
* Continuous Improvement & Right-First-Time Culture Champion QA-led continuous improvement across the site by using data and insights to reduce non conformances and improve quality performance. Embed a ‘right-first-time’ culture by encouraging problem-solving, accountability, and collaboration across departments.
* Performance Monitoring & Reporting Track QA KPIs and metrics across shifts, identifying patterns or trends that require intervention. Provide regular performance updates to site leadership and ensure appropriate actions are implemented to drive improvements in product safety and quality outcomes.
* Training, Development & Capability Building Lead the onboarding and technical training of QA team members, supporting skill development and maintaining high standards of technical competence. Promote knowledge sharing within the team and build succession capability for future QA leadership.
* Support for Site Food Safety Culture Promote and embed a quality-first culture by acting as a role model and advocate for high standards across departments. Contribute to the delivery of the site’s Food Safety and Quality Plan and ensure that actions are completed on time and effectively.
Person Description – Experience, Technical Skills and Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience
* Significant experience in QA management within food manufacturing or a regulated production environment.
* Proven experience in managing, developing, and motivating QA teams across multiple shifts.
* Strong working knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, BRC, GMP).
* Effective leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
* Proficient in root cause analysis, non-conformance handling, and corrective/preventive actions.
* HACCP Level 3 minimum; Food Safety Level 3 or higher (or equivalent).
Personal Attributes
* Proactive and solutions-focused approach.
* Strong people leadership and team development skills, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
* Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities, influencing across all levels of the organization.
* A resilient and adaptable leader, able to drive change and navigate complex challenges with confidence.
* High attention to detail and a passion for delivering the highest quality and safety standards.
How to apply
If this really sounds like you and you want to be considered for theQA Manager position send your CV to bobby@recruitment-wolf.co.uk
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We aim to contact you within 24 hours on the assumption that your credentials fit the requirements for the role.
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