At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety and quality initiatives, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a leading global food manufacturer with a commitment to quality and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, health care, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture focused on growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field, with experience in quality and food safety.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Food Safety & Quality Lead to join our Taste & Nutrition Manufacturing facility in Gainsborough, a large-volume site producing coatings and ingredient solutions for key global customers. Reporting to the Plant Manager and working as part of the site leadership team, you will provide site leadership for Food Safety and Quality, ensuring high standards of safety, quality and compliance in line with Kerry Corporate Policies, with a Matrix link to the FSQ Network Lead. You will lead a Quality team of 11 people, including 3 direct reports, driving a strong quality-first culture and continuous improvement across the site. This is a permanent, full-time, onsite role and includes occasional travel for training or team meetings.
Responsibilities
- Food Safety: Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and Kerry Manufacturing Standards. Lead site Food Safety and HACCP programs. Ensure GMP, preventive controls, and prerequisite programs are implemented and effective. Maintain GFSI certification. Promote a Safety First, Quality Always culture across the site.
- Quality Systems: Manage and continuously improve Quality Assurance and Quality Control systems. Develop, review, and maintain procedures aligned with Kerry Food Management Systems (KFMS) using Intelex. Conduct internal audits to prevent non-conformances. Oversee food safety systems, Good Laboratory Practices, sanitation programs, ERP quality controls, material control, and FSMA‑compliant Food Safety Plans.
- Compliance and Audits: Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and Kerry standards. Enforce ingredient specifications, product standards, process controls, formula compliance, sanitation, GMP, and pest control programs. Support regulatory inspections and customer audits, including organic, kosher, and preserved products. Ensure all released products are safe and compliant.
- Quality Improvement: Track, analyze, and report quality KPIs. Support site Quality Improvement Plans and continuous improvement initiatives. Apply Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action methodologies. Partner cross-functionally to drive process and quality improvements. Support Kerry Production Stream through training and on-the-floor engagement.
- Customer Complaints: Lead investigation and resolution of customer complaints. Ensure timely communication, root cause analysis, and implementation and verification of corrective and preventive actions.
- People Management: Lead, develop, and coach the Quality team. Support recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning. Ensure team capability aligns with business needs. Manage resources and budgets effectively.
- Technical Expertise: Maintain strong technical knowledge of products, processes, and manufacturing environments. Apply scientific and statistical methods to data analysis and problem solving. Act as the primary technical contact for customers, vendors, and regulatory authorities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related Science/Engineering discipline.
- Working knowledge of GFSI standards, such as SQF.
- Minimum 4 years' experience in quality and/or food safety within a manufacturing environment.
- People management experience, with the ability to lead, develop and engage teams effectively.
- Proven experience managing food safety and quality systems.
- Plant-based manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
- Good understanding of food safety regulations, including FSMA, and awareness of industry and market trends.
Benefits
- Kerry offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for continuous learning and career development.
- 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
- Health care
- Matched pension scheme
- Perkbox platform, offering discounts and offers with major retailers
- Share scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
FSQ Lead employer: Kerry Inc.
Kerry is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Gainsborough facility where you can lead a dedicated team in ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide continuous learning opportunities, competitive benefits including a matched pension scheme and health care, and a culture that prioritises safety and quality. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the food manufacturing industry while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FSQ Lead
✨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 Kerry Inc..
✨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 Kerry Inc.!
✨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 Kerry Inc., 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 Kerry Inc., and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace FSQ Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Kerry Inc., 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 Kerry Inc..
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 Kerry Inc.. 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 Kerry Inc.. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kerry Inc.
✨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 Kerry Inc.’s mission.
