At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and improve quality systems in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established manufacturing business focused on quality and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday hours, and permanent contract.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving processes and driving quality standards.
- Qualifications: Experience in BRCGS-accredited environments and strong quality systems knowledge.
We are looking for a Quality Systems Manager to join an established manufacturing business in a key site-based role. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong Technical / Quality Systems background who wants to take real ownership of systems, standards and improvement across a manufacturing operation. The role has a strong focus on BRCGS, Quality Management Systems and technical compliance, but we are looking for more than someone who simply maintains documentation and prepares for audits. We want someone who enjoys understanding how processes work in practice, identifying where improvements can be made and working closely with operational teams to deliver sustainable change. This is a hands-on individual contributor role and does not have direct people-management responsibility.
As Quality Systems Manager, you will take ownership of the site's Quality and Technical Management Systems, ensuring they remain robust, practical, compliant and continuously improving. Your responsibilities will include:
- Owning, maintaining and continuously improving the site's Quality and Technical Management Systems.
- Maintaining compliance with BRCGS standards, customer requirements and internal procedures.
- Ensuring the site remains audit-ready and that standards are effectively embedded within day-to-day operations.
- Supporting and leading BRCGS, customer and third-party audits.
- Managing the internal audit programme and ensuring actions are effectively closed out.
- Reviewing and improving procedures, policies, standards and technical documentation.
- Managing non-conformances, corrective actions and preventative actions.
- Leading root cause analysis and ensuring recurring issues are properly addressed.
- Working closely with Operations to improve processes, controls and ways of working.
- Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and process improvement.
- Using quality and operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
- Supporting HACCP, risk assessments, change control and wider food safety activities.
- Driving improvements in GMP, factory standards and operational compliance.
- Challenging processes that are unnecessarily complex, ineffective or no longer fit for purpose.
- Helping ensure quality and technical standards are understood and owned across the operation.
- Supporting a culture focused on prevention, continuous improvement and getting things right first time.
You are likely to come from a Technical, Quality Assurance, Quality Systems or Technical Compliance background within a BRCGS-accredited manufacturing environment. Your exact product background is less important to us than your understanding of BRCGS, quality systems and how a manufacturing operation works. You may currently be working as a:
- Quality Systems Manager
- Quality Systems Lead
- Technical Systems Manager
- Technical Compliance Manager
- Quality Manager
- Technical Manager
- Senior Quality / Technical Coordinator
- QA Manager
We are particularly interested in people who combine strong technical knowledge with a practical, operational mindset.
Ideally, you will bring:
- Experience working within a BRCGS-accredited manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS standards and audit requirements.
- Experience managing or developing Quality Management Systems.
- A solid Technical, Quality Assurance or Quality Systems background.
- Experience with internal and external audits.
- Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, CAPA and root cause analysis.
- Experience investigating issues and implementing effective corrective actions.
- A good understanding of manufacturing operations.
- An interest in continuous improvement and process improvement.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The confidence to work closely with operational teams at all levels.
- The ability to challenge existing ways of working in a constructive and practical way.
Formal Continuous Improvement or Lean qualifications are not essential. We are more interested in someone who naturally asks: Why Join? This is a role where you can have genuine influence. You will have ownership of the quality systems agenda while working closely with the wider operation to improve how things are done. It offers the opportunity to move beyond purely maintaining systems and compliance, giving you the scope to:
- Improve existing processes.
- Introduce better ways of working.
- Strengthen standards across the site.
- Solve recurring problems.
- Influence operational performance.
- Make visible and measurable improvements.
If you are technically strong, confident with BRCGS and Quality Systems, and enjoy combining compliance with practical problem solving and continuous improvement, we would be keen to hear from you.
Package Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 Hours: Monday to Friday, Days Contract: Permanent
Quality Systems Manager in Huyton employer: Ballantine Recruitment
Join a highly reputable and fast-growing manufacturing business in Kent, where you will have the opportunity to develop your Health & Safety career in a supportive environment. With flexible working options and a commitment to employee growth, this role offers genuine exposure to a unique industry that bridges food and pharmaceutical standards, ensuring you gain valuable experience while contributing to a positive safety culture on-site.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Systems Manager in Huyton
✨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 Ballantine Recruitment.
✨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 Ballantine Recruitment!
✨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 Ballantine Recruitment, 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 Ballantine Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Systems Manager in Huyton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Ballantine Recruitment, 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 Ballantine Recruitment.
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 Ballantine Recruitment. 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 Ballantine Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ballantine Recruitment
✨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 Ballantine Recruitment’s mission.
