At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape CQV strategies for safe food production in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join apetito, a leader in sustainable food manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, free meals, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and sustainability while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of CQV experience in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
In this CQV Manager role, you shape a world-class commissioning, qualification and validation function for apetito’s Kitchen East and West facilities. You lead risk-based validation programs that ensure safe, compliant food production and smooth handover to operations. You will collaborate with engineering, procurement, quality and production to deliver robust CQV plans, driving continuous improvement and sustainability aligned with apetito’s Net Zero by 2040 journey. This role combines technical leadership with hands-on validation execution in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Pay / Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Life assurance
- Subsidised canteen and free meals on site
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement and maintain a CQV strategy for new and existing plant systems (equipment, utilities and processes)
- Lead IQ/OQ/PQ and validation activities in line with GMP, HACCP, BRC and ISO 22000
- Coordinate dry commissioning with engineering, suppliers and stakeholders
- Lead wet commissioning with cross-functional teams to prove process capability and readiness
- Embed CQV requirements into project plans and handover to operations
- Review and approve validation protocols, reports and change controls
- Lead risk assessments and mitigation plans for process validation and product introductions
- Manage and coach CQV team members and provide technical guidance
- Develop and deliver CQV training for site teams across Kitchen East/West and wider network
- Maintain traceability and data integrity for audits and inspections
- Embed sustainability into CQV plans to reduce energy, water use and waste
- Adopt automated data capture and validation documentation systems
- Stay updated on regulations and translate into CQV improvements
- Collaborate with Procurement and Engineering to specify equipment requirements for CQV
- Coordinate with external consultants and suppliers for qualification activities
Key requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry)
- 5–7 years’ CQV/validation experience in food manufacturing
- Proven track record in leading CQV deliverables or teams
- Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, BRC and ISO 22000
- Experience writing and executing IQ/OQ/PQ protocols
- Automation, packaging and food processing system knowledge (advantage)
- Strong project and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent documentation discipline and attention to detail
- Analytical mindset
- Clear communicator across multidisciplinary teams
- People leadership and coaching
- IQ/OQ/PQ protocol development and execution
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Validation lifecycle management
Commissioning, Qualification and Validation (CQV) Manager employer: Apetito
At Wiltshire Farm Foods, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values our team members' contributions and well-being. Our supportive work culture fosters a sense of community, where employees can grow through training and development opportunities while making a meaningful impact by delivering nutritious meals to those in need. With flexible part-time hours and a commitment to employee satisfaction, we offer a rewarding environment for those looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning, Qualification and Validation (CQV) Manager
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Apetito.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Apetito!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Apetito, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Apetito, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning, Qualification and Validation (CQV) Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Apetito, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Apetito.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Apetito. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Apetito. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Apetito
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Apetito’s mission.
