At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality control and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Company: Join a leading food and beverage manufacturer focused on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product integrity and environmental systems in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in QC roles, knowledge of HACCP, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This is a permanent position based in Stockbridge, Hampshire.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Stockbridge, Hampshire
Reporting to: CEO
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (flexibility required depending on business needs)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Role Overview
We’re pleased to be working exclusively with a leading food and beverage manufacturer to recruit a QC Manager. This vital role leads the site’s Quality Control and Technical function, ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation, ISO standards, and customer specifications. The QC Manager plays a key role in maintaining product integrity, supporting operational performance, and driving continuous improvement across quality and environmental systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Quality Management
- Ensure all products meet customer and legal standards through close collaboration with Production.
- Manage and coach the QC Administrator, ensuring completion of daily quality tasks.
- Lead the Quality and Environmental Management System (QEMS), including documentation and risk assessments.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory bodies on all technical matters.
- Oversee microbiological testing, GMP swabbing, sample analysis, and escalate issues where necessary.
- Act as primary contact for the Environment Agency, EHO, and other external authorities.
- Investigate non-conformances and customer complaints, ensuring root cause and corrective actions are implemented.
- Conduct internal audits, monitor legislative updates, and manage supplier audits.
- Maintain quarantine systems and support trade licence renewals.
- Participate in HACCP, Health & Safety, and Environmental committees.
- Ensure HACCP-aligned Pre-requisite Programmes are up to date.
- Maintain ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification and lead audit preparation and execution.
- Manage documentation, technical specifications, and support new product development.
- Complete technical and sustainability questionnaires for customers and suppliers.
- Oversee pest control, waste management, cleaning contractors, and environmental reporting.
- Manage supplier approvals, ethical audits, TACCP/VACCP processes, and site risk registers.
- Maintain H&S records, training logs, PPE compliance, and visitor documentation.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior QC or technical role within the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
- In-depth knowledge of HACCP, food safety legislation, ISO 9001/14001, and quality systems.
- Skilled in managing audits and communicating with external bodies.
- Strong technical understanding of microbiological, chemical, and environmental monitoring.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- SHEQ qualifications (e.g., NEBOSH, Lead Auditor) are highly desirable.
QC Microbiology Manager employer: Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land QC Microbiology Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food safety legislation and ISO standards relevant to the role. Being well-versed in these regulations will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience in quality control. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed audits or resolved non-conformances in previous roles. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and technical expertise will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership abilities by discussing any experience you have in coaching or managing teams. The role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your capability to guide others will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace QC Microbiology Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality control and technical roles within the food and beverage sector. Emphasise your knowledge of HACCP, ISO standards, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of QC Microbiology Manager and demonstrate your passion for maintaining product integrity.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have SHEQ qualifications like NEBOSH or Lead Auditor certifications, make sure to mention these prominently in your application. They are highly desirable for this position and can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves managing a team, provide examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully coached or managed teams in previous roles, particularly in quality management or technical functions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with food safety legislation, ISO standards, and HACCP principles. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your expertise and commitment to quality control.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to coach others and lead quality initiatives, as this role requires strong leadership.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to microbiological testing, risk assessments, and non-conformance investigations. Brush up on your technical knowledge to confidently answer these queries.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Be ready to discuss how you liaise with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies. Effective communication is key in this role, so provide examples of successful interactions you've had in previous positions.