Quality Assurance Manager in Hereford

We are currently recruiting for a Quality Assurance Manager to join the team at the Hereford site.

Our advanced manufacturing site in Hereford is one of our main processing facilities, processing up to 2 million birds per week. There are over 1,500 talented people employed at our Hereford site, helping us to deliver high‑quality products to our customers and making the business a trusted leader in fresh foods. We’ve recently invested £1.2 million in technology and equipment, making it one of the most advanced food manufacturing facilities in the UK.

Hours of Work
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

What will you be doing as Quality Assurance Manager, at Avara?

• Responsible for ensuring the technical service to the site is developed and maintained by reporting and acting on findings to drive improvement.
• Lead and develop a team of Quality Team Leaders and Quality Auditors to drive both individual and departmental performances.
• Assist in the maintenance of the Quality Management System and HACCP manual and ensure that they are up to date.
• Manage the Quality Assurance team effectively and appropriately, including performance assessment, continuous development, disciplinary and grievance procedures, return‑to‑work forms and time‑management system.
• Assist in the completion of internal audits against the audit schedule and ensure corrective actions are put in place to maintain technical integrity and standards at all times.
• Play a leading role in the improvement of quality and food safety controls.
• Review data generated by Quality Assurance personnel and ensure non‑conformances for missing paperwork and checks outside of agreed limits have effective corrective actions and root‑cause analysis.
• Review specifications in use for all products, packaging and ingredients, ensuring all versions are current and meet customer specifications.
• Monitor and audit production operations to ensure that customer requirements are understood and achieved.
• Provide technical support to customers on supplier questionnaires.
• Support new product development and commercial colleagues in product trials, factory trials and first production of new products and processes when required.
• Attend meetings on other company sites as and when required.
• Play an integral role in audits by customers and external bodies.
• Deputise for the site Technical Manager in their absence.

Essential Qualifications
Recognised minimum Level 3 qualification in Food Safety or equivalent. Recognised qualification in HACCP for Food Manufacturing.

Desirable Qualifications
Proven experience of managing teams in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment. Experience in auditing systems and processes against defined quality and regulatory standards. Good communication and interpersonal skills, with proven problem‑solving skills and experience in change management. Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently as required, working on own initiative. A good level of PC literacy is required for this role. Willing to take responsibility. Team player and team builder. Calm and objective in a crisis situation. Degree in a scientific discipline, preferably food technology/science, microbiology/bacteriology or another industry‑relevant discipline would be desirable.

Benefits of Working for Avara Foods
5% Pension, 31 days holiday, Life Assurance, Private Medical Health Cover, Free Parking, Various lifestyle benefits, including wellbeing resources.

What Happens After You Apply?
After you’ve applied, you’ll be contacted in due course by a Resourcing Officer at our Hereford office to discuss your application and CV further. There will also be a chance for you to ask us any questions you may have about the role. Due to Bird Welfare, it is essential that you do not own any avian pets, poultry or porcine. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.