At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and improve the Quality Management System in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Major UK food manufacturing business with a focus on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Autonomy to influence processes and work closely with senior stakeholders.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and genuine ownership in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality, not just paperwork.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food manufacturing, strong QMS knowledge, and audit experience.
Are you a Quality Systems professional who wants to do more than simply maintain a QMS? We’re working with a major UK food manufacturing business to recruit a Quality Systems Manager for one of its key manufacturing sites in Cumbria. This is a role with genuine ownership. You’ll take responsibility for the site Quality Management System, help shape the food safety and quality agenda and ensure the operation is continually improving rather than simply preparing for the next audit.
Reporting to the Site Technical Manager, you’ll work closely with Operations, Engineering, SHE, Supply Chain and the wider Site Leadership Team, giving you significant exposure across the factory.
The Role
- Owning and continually improving the site QMS
- Maintaining audit readiness across BRCGS, customer, regulatory and other third-party standards
- Leading internal, external, customer and regulatory audit activity
- Driving corrective and preventative actions through to completion
- Managing document control, management review and compliance processes
- Supporting HACCP, traceability, mass balance, validation and verification
- Analysing complaints, audit results, customer feedback and quality trends
- Using data to identify recurring issues and drive root-cause improvement
- Producing technical KPIs and presenting performance to senior site stakeholders
- Coaching teams and helping build a genuine food safety and quality culture
- Leading and supporting continuous improvement projects
It’s a broad systems role where you’ll have the opportunity to influence how quality operates across the site, rather than simply policing standards.
About you
We’re looking for someone with strong Quality Systems experience gained within food manufacturing who understands what a genuinely effective QMS looks like. You’ll ideally bring:
- Around 5+ years’ experience within a food manufacturing technical environment
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS and third-party/customer standards
- Experience coordinating audits and compliance programmes
- Level 3 Food Safety and HACCP as a minimum
- Strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving capability
- The confidence to challenge existing processes and influence people across Operations and Technical
- A practical, continuous-improvement mindset
Dairy experience would be advantageous but isn’t essential. Lead Auditor, Level 4 HACCP/Food Safety and continuous improvement experience would also be beneficial.
Why apply?
This isn’t a “keep the paperwork tidy” Quality Systems position. You’ll inherit a broad remit, have the autonomy to improve systems and processes, and work closely with senior stakeholders in a manufacturing environment where food safety, quality and continuous improvement genuinely matter. If you’re a Quality Systems Manager, Quality Manager, Technical Systems Manager or experienced Technical professional looking for greater ownership and influence, we’d like to hear from you.
Quality Systems Manager in Wigton employer: Gregory Walker Associates
Join a leading player in the UK food manufacturing sector, where your role as Facilities Manager will not only ensure the smooth operation of essential equipment but also contribute to sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this company offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment for growth, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful career in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Systems Manager in Wigton
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates.
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates!
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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 Gregory Walker Associates, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Quality Systems Manager in Wigton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Gregory Walker Associates, 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 Gregory Walker Associates.
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 Gregory Walker Associates. 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 Gregory Walker Associates. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gregory Walker Associates
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates’s mission.