Quality Control Section Leader

We are currently recruiting for a 12 month Fixed term Contract. The Quality Control Section Leader is responsible for coordinating and leading the daily activities of the Quality Assurance (QA) team to ensure consistent quality standards for raw materials and finished goods. This is a hands‑on role, combining quality inspection duties with team supervision and development to drive high performance and continuous improvement within the QA team.

Responsibilities

• Effective management and coordination of the QA team to ensure all tasks are completed to a high standard.
• Clear and timely communication with both the QA team and wider business, ensuring transparency and proactive issue resolution.
• Consistent application of training, development, and performance management to foster a high-performing QA team.
• Accurate and thorough quality inspections and reporting to support the delivery of exceptional products.
• Accountable for managing and directing the daily activities of the QA team to ensure all quality control tasks are completed effectively and on time.
• Develop and manage the QA rota to ensure adequate coverage for holidays, illnesses, and absences, ensuring all areas of responsibility are addressed.
• Act as the principal point of contact for raw material quality concerns, providing guidance and solutions to the wider MM Flowers team during shifts.
• Perform standard quality inspections of raw materials to ensure compliance with specifications, as this is a hands‑on role due to the small team size.
• Attend daily operational meetings to provide feedback and updates on relevant quality issues, ensuring timely communication of findings to internal teams.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with the QA team, ensuring all updates and procedural changes are cascaded effectively.
• Record and investigate non‑conformances, implementing corrective actions where necessary and ensuring learnings are communicated to the wider business.
• Analyse specific quality tasks and provide progress updates to the business, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Escalate IT or equipment issues to ensure timely resolutions to minimize disruptions to quality checks.
• Complete all required records for absence, return‑to‑work interviews, and lateness, ensuring accurate documentation.
• Maintain and communicate QA performance KPIs, providing regular updates to the wider business to monitor and drive team performance.
• Manage the training schedule and matrix for the QA team, ensuring all training requirements are up‑to‑date and scheduled for refreshment as needed.
• Provide on‑the‑job training and upskilling opportunities to QA team members to maintain a high‑performing team.
• Conduct monthly one‑to‑one meetings with QA team members, completing associated records and offering constructive feedback on performance.
• Carry out formal appraisals, setting and reviewing individual objectives for team members in collaboration with the Factory Technical Manager.
• Support team members in achieving their objectives by providing coaching, resources, and feedback.
• Lead performance management initiatives and disciplinary actions when necessary, addressing concerns in a fair and consistent manner.
• Oversee Rubicon training and maintenance to ensure it remains fit for purpose, supporting the team\’s operational needs.
• Support with all reasonable managerial requests and ad‑hoc tasks to ensure the smooth running of the department.
• Assist during customer visits to intake, guiding customers through the intake assessment process, and providing detailed explanations of assessments and reporting procedures.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a quality assurance or control role, preferably within a production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in training and performance management.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in quality inspection processes and the ability to analyse and report data accurately.
• Working knowledge of relevant systems and tools, such as Rubicon or similar platforms.
• Experience in the horticulture, food, or FMCG industry.
• Familiarity with customer specifications and quality standards.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies.
• Trusted: Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting high standards.
• Passionate: Shows enthusiasm and dedication to achieving operational goals.
• Dynamic: Adapts to challenges with innovative solutions and a proactive approach.
• Work Together: Builds strong relationships and fosters a team‑oriented culture.