At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product quality and compliance, ensuring top standards in food safety and legality.
- Company: Join a high-performing manufacturing site committed to safety and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or equivalent, with strong knowledge of manufacturing processes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Product Quality & Compliance Manager to join our Technical team at our Spalding site. This is a pivotal role in ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of legality, food safety, quality and customer requirements while supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will lead the site’s Quality Auditors, build a strong food safety and quality culture, and work closely with both the Technical and Production teams to ensure products consistently meet specification. You will champion an “audit ready” environment, drive root cause investigation, and support the site in delivering best‑in‑class standards.
Purpose of the Role
- Ensure factory compliance with legality, food safety, quality, GMP and customer/export requirements.
- Act as the site expert for product quality and specification compliance.
- Lead teams to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
- Identify and recommend yield and value improvement initiatives.
- Embed and deliver an “audit ready” factory culture.
- Lead root cause analysis for complaints and non‑compliances.
- Coach and empower the Quality Auditor team to drive a strong food safety and quality culture.
- Maintain close, effective communication between Quality and Production teams.
- Ensure all unsafe, out‑of‑specification or substandard products/materials are held and assessed with the Technical team.
- Actively promote the principle that Quality & Food Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion and promote a Food Safety & Quality Culture across the site.
- Lead during customer visits and third‑party audits.
- Ensure calibration and verification schedules are up to date and non-conforming equipment is controlled.
- Coordinate CCP validation and verification activities.
- Maintain control of non‑conforming materials through effective quarantine, corrective action and release processes.
- Oversee product monitoring and release through inspection, testing and organoleptic assessment.
- Be an active member of the internal audit team, ensuring start‑up checks, fabrication audits and glass/hard plastics audits are robust and effective.
- Use data and trend analysis to identify issues, drive root cause investigation and implement corrective actions, with escalation where appropriate.
- Support the implementation of new systems and technology across the site and wider group.
- Lead the Quality team and drive a proactive site Quality Improvement Plan.
- Develop the site product sampling schedule, ensuring compliance with legislation, customer COPs and product specifications.
- Identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising standards.
- Promote and maintain high standards of health & safety.
- Deputise for the Technical Manager when required.
- Work closely with Production to maximise yield while meeting product specification.
- Monitor QA team performance, empowering and engaging the team to deliver excellence.
- Contribute to delivery of the Technical Quality Pillar.
- Lead unannounced product quality inspections with the site management team.
- Lead analytical studies targeting process improvement and optimisation.
- Create a culture committed to the highest standards of food safety and quality, leading by example.
- Encourage staff to report any issues immediately, rewarding positive behaviours (e.g., STAR Awards) and ensuring visible follow‑up.
- Actively support the site Food Safety & Quality Management Systems via HACCP, audit programmes and QUOR utilisation.
Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of raw materials, products and manufacturing processes.
- Solid understanding of QMS, procedures and relevant systems.
- Highly practical, detail‑focused and factory‑based in approach.
- Degree/HND in Food Science or equivalent.
- Level 3 Food Safety.
- Level 3 HACCP and Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9000 or 22000).
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Production experience advantageous.
- Strong judgement, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
Behaviours
- Availability - Open, receptive and ready for new challenges.
- Humility - Willingness to listen, respect others and value different perspectives.
- Discipline - Committed to delivering consistently and reliably.
- Sincerity - Truthfulness, honesty and respect in all interactions.
- Simplicity - A practical, focused approach to what matters most.
- Ownership - Accountability and pride in performance and outcomes.
- Determination - Drive to overcome challenges and deliver results.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to lead a key function in a high-performing manufacturing site.
- A business committed to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
- Supportive leadership and opportunities to grow your career.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Product Quality & Compliance Manager, Product Quality & Compliance Manager employer: Pilgrim's Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrim's Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Quality & Compliance Manager, Product Quality & Compliance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to product quality and compliance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Quality & Compliance Manager, Product Quality & Compliance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in product quality and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of food safety, quality management systems, and relevant regulations. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so include any certifications or qualifications that make you stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrim's Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety, quality standards, and compliance regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, like HACCP and ISO standards, so you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Product Quality & Compliance Manager, you'll be leading teams and driving a culture of quality. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in fostering a strong food safety culture or managing audits. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like a non-compliance issue or a customer audit. Think through potential scenarios and outline your approach to problem-solving and root cause analysis. This will show that you're proactive and ready to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since clear communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain effective communication between Quality and Production teams, as well as how you encourage staff to report issues. This will highlight your ability to foster collaboration and transparency.