Quality Improvement Manager in Devon

The Quality Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and managing all quality assurance and quality control activities in the production. This role ensures that all products meet customer specifications, regulatory standards, and internal quality benchmarks. The Quality Improvement Manager drives continuous improvement initiatives, oversees compliance with ISO or BRC standards, and leads the plant's quality culture.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Quality Management & Control
  • Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in line with ISO 9001, BRC Packaging, or other relevant standards.
  • Oversee inspection and testing of raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods to ensure compliance with specifications.
  • Manage and analyse quality data, identify trends, and lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Ensure calibration and maintenance of all measuring and testing equipment.
• Customer & Supplier Interface
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all customer quality concerns, complaints, and audits.
  • Manage customer complaint investigations, implement corrective actions, and ensure timely resolution.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to address quality issues and establish incoming material standards.
• Training
  • Train and develop for effective quality inspections.
  • Promote a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement across all departments.
  • Conduct internal quality audits and coordinate external audits.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate quality documentation, certificates of conformity, and test records.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and food packaging regulations (if applicable).
  • Support new product introductions with quality planning.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Lead initiatives to reduce waste, improve process capability, and enhance product consistency.
  • Support lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects related to process optimisation and defect reduction.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in quality management within the packaging, paperboard, or manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of ISO 9001, BRCGS Packaging or similar standards.
• Proficient in SPC, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Experience with customer audits and supplier quality management.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with production, maintenance, and sales teams.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety is an integral part of the business activities and all colleagues are expected to play their part in creating a safe working environment; adhering to all company policies within their area of work and conducting any such work in a safe manner. It is vital that all colleagues recognise and acknowledge they have responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. All colleagues with management responsibility are responsible for ensuring full implementation of all policies/arrangements within their area of control and full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (amended 2003) and all other UK/European health, safety and environmental legislation.

Core Values

Our client is dedicated to conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical standards and all colleagues are required to share and demonstrate our core values of:

• Loyalty
• Integrity
• Trust

NB: The above is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change. The role holder may also be expected to carry out any other reasonable task as requested by Manager or determined by business needs of the Company.