Quality Assurance Manager (not sponsored for visa)

Swaran Food Service Ltd is a rapidly growing poultry processing business committed to delivering safe, high-quality food products to the UK market. We operate under strict food safety standards and are fully aligned with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 and customer requirements.

Role Purpose

The Quality Assurance Manager will lead the QA team in implementing and maintaining robust food safety and quality systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on QA professional ready to take the next step in their career, with direct mentoring and coaching from the Head of Technical to develop into a future Technical Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day QA operations, ensuring compliance with BRCGS Food Safety, HACCP, GMP, and customer-specific requirements.
• Oversee CCPs, PRPs, allergen controls, traceability, labelling, and hygiene standards.
• Manage internal audits, traceability exercises, and product quality checks.
• Support the implementation, review, and improvement of the Food Safety and Quality Management System (QMS).
• Investigate non-conformances, complaints, and root cause analysis; drive corrective actions.
• Supervise QA Technicians and provide daily guidance, coaching, and scheduling.
• Coordinate environmental monitoring (swabbing, ATP, etc.) and ensure microbiological testing regimes are followed.
• Prepare for and participate in third-party audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections.
• Maintain training records and support staff training on food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Hygiene teams to ensure standards are met consistently.

Development Opportunity

This is a growth role designed to scale into a Technical Manager position within 12–24 months. You will receive active mentoring, technical leadership training, and strategic project exposure under the guidance of the Head of Technical.

Key Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a food manufacturing QA role (poultry or meat preferred).
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety, HACCP, traceability, allergen management, and hygiene.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Internal auditing and root cause analysis training (e.g., RCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Hands-on, practical, and detail-oriented approach with a proactive attitude.
• Experience with customer standards (e.g., Nando’s, major retailers) is an advantage