Quality Assurance Manager in Nottingham

Since 2002, we’ve been the trusted partner for global food brands, helping them make a lasting impression on today’s food lovers. As innovators, we specialise in bespoke plant-led ingredients and menu solutions that bring bold, creative flavours to the table. From major foodservice brands to food manufacturers and recipe kit providers, we collaborate to inspire, innovate, and deliver high-quality ingredients for on-trend dishes. We believe that great ideas come from all areas of the business. That’s why we foster a collaborative, open, and diverse environment for both our teams and our customers. We treat everyone with respect and integrity, creating an inspiring environment where we can all work, learn, and grow together. Joining Natural Innovations is also joining a community that nurtures its workforce, with regular food events and staff recognition. We strive to ensure our colleagues are rewarded for their dedication and hard work, while working together to produce products to a high standard.

Job Purpose:

• To ensure quality standards are challenged and improved across the business.
• Managing the QA team and coaching the Operations team to drive quality and maintain due diligence to food safety.
• A strong decision maker that ensures quality is at the forefront of how we operate, while driving a continuous improvement agenda for quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Adhere to Natural Innovations Health & Safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Adhere to Natural Innovations Food Safety and GMP policies and procedures at all times.
• Accountable for the QA team function through effective management and coaching of quality standards.
• Accountable for the QA team duties and tasks to ensure that they are completed on time and accurately.
• Responsible for the interpretation of our quality data and formulating action plans with robust close out and verification.
• Accountable for the organization of incident investigations with focus on RCA and verification of preventative measures.
• Accountable for driving complaint reduction plans across the site in conjunction with the Operations team to support the Technical Services team.
• Required to work collaboratively with the Compliance team to ensure the maintenance of the businesses Quality systems which includes; policies, risk assessments and procedures and auditing against the businesses Quality Management System.
• Working collaboratively with the Process Development team to ensure NPD/EPD products are launched and measurable against the agreed quality standards.
• Deputising for the Technical Manager with support towards the sites Food Safety Plan and site systems to ensure the operational delivery of businesses compliance is supported.
• Required to support and where appropriate lead customer visits and external audits ensuring actions are well documented and closed out effectively.
• Reasonable requests to carry out other duties that may be required to fulfill the businesses strategic and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Confident and competent communicator at all levels.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Proactive in approach to practical problem solving.
• HACCP Level 3.
• Food Safety Level 3.
• HND or Degree qualified in a Science based discipline or similar.
• Experience of working in a similar role within a similar category (Process/Technical/NPD).
• Internal Auditing & Inspection qualification.
• Credible management experience with a focus towards coaching and development.

Benefits:

• A competitive salary.
• A supportive management team with an open door policy.
• 8% contributory pension (5% contributed by you).
• 28 days holiday.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to a discounts platform offering discounts at many high street stores.
• Membership to The Company Shop based in Long Eaton.
• Regular team lunches, Christmas hampers and team building events.
• Opportunities to develop by taking part in recognised courses.
• Opportunities to progress with a promote from within attitude.
• Close to good transport links (bus and tram) with car parking available on site.

Our core values:

• Innovative partners: Our partnerships are built on a shared passion for innovation, exceptional quality products and an agile and responsive approach to business. We understand what our customers need, and we deliver it.
• Quality commitment: We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional quality in everything we produce. That means meticulous attention to detail and incredibly high standards. From sourcing raw ingredients to maintaining rigorous food safety and technical standards, our partners can always count on our unwavering quality, consistency, and reliability.
• Inclusivity matters: Great ideas come from all areas of our business. That’s why we work collaboratively, fostering open, diverse and inclusive spaces for both employees and customers. By treating everyone with respect and integrity, we create an inspiring environment for us all to work, learn, and grow.
• Planetary care: Our commitment is to prioritise the health of the planet and employ sustainable practices that protect and restore it. Through responsible sourcing, eco-friendly operations and innovative solutions we strive to minimise our footprint and ensure a positive impact for future generations.