Overview
Are you passionate about Quality Systems? Looking for a new challenge? Do you have experience or qualifications in Quality Management? We are now recruiting for a Quality Systems Manager to join the team at our manufacturing site in Hereford.
Who we are - Avara Foods is one of the UK’s leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and well-known restaurants. We own and manage our entire supply chain from farms to factory to customer door. We have major processing sites across England and Wales, and an agricultural network of over 300 farms.
Hereford site - Our Hereford site is one of our main processing facilities, processing up to 2 million birds per week. There are over 1,500 employees at the site, with recent investments in technology and equipment.
About the role
As an inclusive, forward-thinking business, we invest in our People and Processes across Avara Foods. We are looking for a highly competent and motivated Quality Systems Manager to join our Technical Team, based at our Hereford site. The role is office-based, but you will spend time in the factory in a fast-paced, dynamic FMCG environment which is noisy and refrigerated in some areas.
As a Quality Systems Manager, you’ll typically work Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30 (40 hours per week).
What you’ll be doing
As a Quality Systems Manager, you will help to maintain and champion the company Quality Management System (QMS) to meet Avara Foods, client, and legal requirements. You will work with technical teams within Avara manufacturing facilities to ensure the QMS is maintained consistently and to provide metrics to track compliance and performance across the business.
Key responsibilities
* Lead, coach, develop and deputise for the Quality Systems Coordinator when needed.
* Ensure appropriate cover is in place so that full traceability exercises can be completed effectively during periods of absence.
* Set clear objectives and SMART targets aligned with business targets to drive site standards.
* Promote a positive Food Safety and Quality Culture across all site departments, encouraging ownership and engagement at all levels.
* Promote safe working practices and ensure Quality Systems activities comply with health and safety requirements.
* Act as site lead for the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with Avara QMS, BRCGS standards and customer Codes of Practice.
* Lead and manage Management of Change processes relating to quality procedures, policies and systems.
* Conduct gap analysis against new or revised customer, regulatory or third-party standards and coordinate site implementation with Group Compliance.
* Create food safety, quality, and regulatory system schedules, e.g., calibration, customer product testing, and report results to technical and site management teams.
* Own and maintain a risk-based internal audit program aligned to BRCGS and customer Codes of Practice; verify, close non-conformances, and perform root cause analysis.
* Oversee data trending and analysis across complaints, microbiology, and non-conformance; guide the team on handling complaints.
* Oversee audit and non-conformance reporting to ensure visibility, escalation, and continuous improvement.
* Lead the site through external audits, ensuring the site is prepared and evidence is available for auditors.
* Owner of the site traceability system.
* Act as site lead for Food Defence and a key member of the HACCP team, supporting maintenance and review of the HACCP system.
* Provide accurate and timely technical reports to the Site Leadership Team.
* Oversee customer technical information and responses, including questionnaires, specifications and KPIs.
* Oversee accuracy and management of product and label data across all systems to support label verification and team use.
Essential skills
* Intermediate Food Safety (Level 3).
* Intermediate HACCP (Level 3).
* Internal auditing qualification.
* Strong experience in operating and maintaining Quality Management Systems (QMS).
* Proven experience of owning and managing an internal audit programme.
* Experience supporting external audits.
* Ability to understand, follow, and provide verbal and written instructions in technical documents, procedures, and specifications in English.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
* Proactive problem-solving ability.
* Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
* Confident working in a factory environment and engaging with all levels across site.
* Experience of BRCGS or retail customer standards.
* Experience working in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment with high food safety and hygiene standards.
* Current full driving licence.
Desirable
* Food-related qualification (HND or degree).
* Experience leading external audits.
* Experience delivering food safety-related training (e.g. CCPs, hygiene, allergen control, product handling).
* Experience of competency assessment and verification in food safety-critical tasks.
* Negotiation and influencing skills.
The benefits of working for Avara Foods
As a Quality Systems Manager you will enjoy a secure, supportive and progressive working environment with recognition and rewards for your contributions.
Benefits include comprehensive training and continuous development, plus:
* From £40,000 per annum DOE
* 31 days holiday allowance
* Secure contract with long-term career development
* Straightforward pension contribution of 6%
* Life assurance
* Subsidised staff canteen serving hot food
* Cycle to work scheme
* Salaried Advance Finance
* Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
* Employee Benefit Scheme with GP appointments, mental health support, physiotherapy, second opinions, and discounts
* TS & CS apply
Next steps
After applying, your application will be reviewed by Resourcing. You may be contacted to discuss your CV. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about the role. If you’re ready to work in a dynamic environment with talented people who take pride in delivering results, apply today. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. INDMP #TheAvaraWay
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