At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance and ensure food safety at our state-of-the-art Buxton facility.
- Company: Join Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages, a leader in healthy hydration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a sustainable environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field with quality assurance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Buxton, Derbyshire
Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum
Some of our fantastic benefits:
- Comprehensive pension scheme – up to 12% employer contribution
- Potential, discretionary annual bonus
- Generous holiday entitlement including 12 additional ‘flex’ days
- A focus on professional development and growth
- Private medical health cover
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Quality Manager to join our Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages team based at our state-of-the-art production facility in Buxton, Derbyshire.
Your Impact:
As a Technical Quality Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all quality systems and laboratory operations at the Buxton factory. Your primary mission will be to ensure food safety and compliance while fostering a culture of zero defects across all functions. This role is critical in maintaining consumer trust and preference, as you will lead the Quality Assurance (QA) department and represent the QA function on the Factory Leadership Team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and People Management: Lead the QA department, developing and maintaining competencies and quality awareness across the factory. Promote a zero-defect mindset among all employees to enhance overall quality performance.
- Quality System Management: Set up, manage, enforce, and maintain all Nestlé quality requirements in the factory and for finished products. Lead the factory management review of quality processes to ensure compliance with internal standards.
- Laboratory Operations: Ensure the proper functioning of the factory laboratory, including personnel training and equipment maintenance, to provide consistent and accurate results.
- Hygiene and Good Manufacturing Practices: Ensure adherence to good hygienic practices and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) within the factory, including the verification of cleaning systems.
- Food Safety Oversight: Lead food safety and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) teams to manage and mitigate food safety risks effectively.
- Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Support the factory's Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) process by monitoring key quality parameters through statistical process control to drive structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts.
Your ingredients for success:
The Technical Quality Manager position requires proven experience in quality assurance within a beverage or food manufacturing/production environment. Candidates should have a proven background in managing quality systems, with a focus on maintaining compliance and safety standards. This role demands a proactive approach to quality management, ensuring that the highest standards are upheld to foster consumer trust and satisfaction.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Essential Qualifications: Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related studies.
- Quality Assurance Experience: Proven experience in quality assurance within a food or beverage manufacturing environment, including QA auditing and managing quality systems.
- Product Development Knowledge: Experience in introducing new products and applying continuous improvement tools and principles.
- Technical Expertise: Knowledge of microbiological testing, food technology, and hygiene practices relevant to quality management.
- Leadership and Management Skills: A proven ability to motivate, influence, and coach team members, alongside experience in line management.
What you need to know:
Advert closing date: Friday 31/07/2026. We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.
At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect, and we believe that embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment allows everyone to reach their full potential and drives innovative thinking. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, parents, carers and members of the LGBT+ community. Please let us know if we can provide accommodations to ensure your full participation in the application process.
To find out more about Nestle’s commitment to DEI: Nestlé's Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace. To find out more about your recruitment journey with Nestle: Recruitment Journey | Nestlé UK & Ireland.
Technical Quality Manager employer: Nestlé
Nestlé in the UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while having access to extensive growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of digital commerce. Joining Nestlé means being part of a forward-thinking team that values data-driven decision-making and empowers its members to make a meaningful impact on the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Quality Manager
✨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 Nestlé.
✨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 Nestlé!
✨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 Nestlé, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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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 Nestlé, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Quality Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Nestlé, 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 Nestlé.
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 Nestlé. 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 Nestlé. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nestlé
✨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 Nestlé’s mission.