At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and drive high standards.
- Company: Join a growing manufacturing business focused on quality and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality assurance within food manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to take ownership of quality systems and standards within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a quality professional who thrives on driving high standards, developing teams, and ensuring products consistently meet customer, legal, and food safety requirements. You'll work collaboratively across multiple departments, championing a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the site.
Key Responsibilities
- Quality & Food Safety Leadership
- Lead the site's Quality Assurance function, ensuring compliance with all food safety, legal, and customer requirements.
- Act as a key point of contact for quality-related matters, providing guidance and making informed decisions when issues arise.
- Support and challenge operational teams to embed a quality-first mindset across the business.
- Maintain and continuously improve quality management systems and site procedures.
- Team Management
- Manage, mentor, and develop the QA team, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
- Ensure quality standards are consistently applied through coaching, training, and performance management.
- Promote accountability and attention to detail across all levels of the operation.
- Compliance & Auditing
- Oversee internal auditing programmes covering GMP, hygiene, fabrication standards, foreign body controls, and other compliance requirements.
- Maintain readiness for third-party and customer audits, including BRC certification.
- Ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively and verified for completion.
- Product Quality & Technical Excellence
- Monitor product quality throughout the manufacturing process to ensure specifications are achieved.
- Lead investigations into quality incidents, customer complaints, and non-conformances, identifying root causes and preventative measures.
- Manage environmental monitoring, microbiological testing, calibration activities, and verification programmes.
- Support the HACCP system through regular reviews, validation activities, and traceability exercises.
- Continuous Improvement
- Analyse quality performance data and KPIs to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.
- Support new product introductions and process changes from a technical and quality perspective.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a Quality Assurance or Quality Management role within food manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety legislation, and BRC standards.
- Experience leading and developing teams in a manufacturing environment.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships across departments.
- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple projects.
- Hands-on approach and willingness to spend time on the production floor.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline is desirable.
- Strong IT literacy and confidence working with quality management systems and data analysis tools.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing manufacturing business where you'll have the autonomy to influence quality standards, develop people, and make a genuine impact on operational performance and customer satisfaction.
Quality Assurance Manager in Harlow employer: FMCG Exec
Join a dynamic and growing food manufacturing company in the Harlow area, where as a Quality Assurance Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping quality standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will have the opportunity to mentor and lead a dedicated QA team while enjoying a collaborative work environment that values high performance and accountability. This position not only offers competitive benefits but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on product quality and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Manager in Harlow
✨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 FMCG Exec.
✨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 FMCG Exec!
✨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 FMCG Exec, 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 FMCG Exec, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Manager in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at FMCG Exec, 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 FMCG Exec.
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 FMCG Exec. 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 FMCG Exec. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Exec
✨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 FMCG Exec’s mission.
