QA Supervisor

Summary

This role is based in our factory in Rainham, ESSEX.

The Quality Assurance Supervisor leads a QA team to verify that all materials, including finished products, are safe and conform to relevant specifications, legislation, and customer requirements across an end‑to‑end ready‑to‑eat (RTE) food manufacturing environment.

The role is multi‑skilled, can operate across any unit area, and provides QA cover and consistency across all shifts.

The supervisor has day‑to‑day authority over resource and people management within the QA team, is empowered to take action and escalated issues within local practice and standards, and works closely with production and operations to drive continuous improvement and support audits.

• Team Leadership & Resource Management
• Manage the QA team to ensure appropriate cover across all shifts.
• Plan and manage resource availability against the agreed resource plan.
• Manage the QA budget against plan.
• Own day‑to‑day people management, including performance, capability, and rota management, with resourcing reviewed quarterly.
• Track and manage training delivery against the planned training schedule.
• Supervise the QA team's daily operations, including scheduling and performance evaluations.
• Audit & Compliance Monitoring
• Complete audits and KPIs, monitoring consistency of outputs across the team for compliance.
• Ensure adherence to the audit schedule and ongoing KPI generation.
• Ensure the quality of information recorded by the team meets required standards.
• Maintain understanding and oversight of the internal audit process and relevant Technical KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with recognised food safety and regulatory standards (HACCP, GMPs, BRCGS/SQF) and customer specifications.
• Monitor and audit production processes to verify adherence to quality and food safety standards.
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of HACCP and food safety plans.
• Assist with regulatory, third‑party, and customer audits, ensuring documentation is audit‑ready.
• Training & Capability Development
• Train the team to ensure new processes and procedures are adopted effectively, tracking capability and change adoption.
• Build production team capability to improve communication and understanding of technical standards, ensuring data quality and root‑cause analysis meet standards.
• Deliver training programmes for employees on quality standards, food safety policy, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging regulation, and best practice to continuously enhance the QA programme.
• Non‑Conformance & Complaint Investigation
• Investigate customer complaints and any non‑conformance raised internally or externally, providing data for resolution.
• Ensure alignment of investigation outcomes with manufacturing unit and wider business strategy, incorporating feedback from Operations.
• Apply non‑conformance reporting techniques consistently across the team.
• Lead the QA team in root‑cause analysis and structured problem solving, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate, well‑organised records of inspections, test results, and quality documentation.
• Sensory & Quality Panels
• Organise the organoleptic panel to ensure consistent product quality.
• Ensure knowledge and implementation of best practice across the unit, with adherence to schedule and corrective actions.
• Health, Safety & Environment
• Ensure a safe working environment for all colleagues, meeting SHE policy standards.
• Ensure accurate RIDDOR and near‑miss reporting across the QA team and wider department.
• Decision‑Making Authority
• Resource management within the QA team.
• Authority to take action and escalate non‑conformance, quality, safety, or legality issues within local practice and standards.
• Day‑to‑day people management, working to clear schedules and standard operating practices.
• Actions are expected to be completed and resolved within a shift, with resourcing reviewed quarterly.

Skills & Experience

• HND and/or experience within food manufacturing, or a degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years' experience in quality assurance within an RTE food manufacturing environment, including leading a team in a fast‑paced setting.
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification including microbiological awareness.
• Level 2 Health and Safety qualification.
• HACCP and BRCGS/SQF certification.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management software.
• Basic allergen awareness and practical allergen management.
• Understanding of the internal audit process.
• Basic knowledge of weight legislation and Technical KPIs.
• CCP training and knowledge of GMP techniques.
• Non‑conformance reporting techniques.
• Basic hygiene principles.
• Basic legal labelling practice.
• Proficiency in quality management systems, statistical process control, and root‑cause analysis.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail, with strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends or shift cover as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in quality assurance within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of quality control methodologies and tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Familiarity with ISO standards and regulatory requirements.
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