Quality Assurance Advisor in Manchester

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led , resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility , we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

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Site Introduction

Established in 1917, our Manchester site stands as one of pladis UK’s key manufacturing hubs, a place where tradition meets innovation. With a talented team of around 500 colleagues, the site proudly produces some of the nation’s most iconic treats, including Jaffa Cakes in a variety of flavours, Chocolate Digestives (Dark, Milk, White and more), Penguin, Hobnobs, and soon, Club and Gold Bars.

Manchester’s rich heritage includes landmark moments like the arrival of Penguin in 1969, the launch of its chocolate refinery in 1989, and the introduction of the first automated Jaffa Cake line in 1992. Celebrating its centenary in 2017 and earning the title of pladis Factory of the Year in 2024, the site continues to evolve, most recently with a £21 million upgrade. It’s more than just a factory, it’s a community of passionate people working together to deliver joy through every bite, across the UK and beyond.

What will this role achieve?

As a Quality Assurance (QA) Advisor, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our Stockport factory with expertise in QA, Food Safety, Pest Control, and Process Integrity. Reporting to the Site Compliance Manager, you’ll help implement pladis Central QA and Food Safety policies, drive continuous improvement, and manage the site’s Quality and Food Safety systems.

This role is all about making a difference; overseeing internal audits, supporting complaint and incident management, and ensuring compliance with legal, retailer, and pladis standards.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Quality & Food Safety Leadership: Provide expert advice and support on QA and Food Safety matters, ensuring compliance and maintaining high standards.
• System Management & Continuous Improvement: Lead the development and improvement of Quality and Food Safety systems, including HACCP and SOP approvals.
• Audit & Compliance Oversight: Coordinate internal and external audits, monitor policy implementation, and resolve non-conformances.
• Training & Communication: Deliver QA and Food Safety training, contribute to specification reviews, and report on performance metrics.
• Vendor & Crisis Management: Oversee vendor performance and support Crisis Incident Management through risk assessments and reporting.

Bring your experience!

Essential

• Food or Science-based HND, Level 4 Food Safety and HACCP certifications (auditing qualification desirable).
• Strong experience in quality roles, including HACCP management within FMCG environments.
• Confident with IT systems and tools for quality and compliance processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to engage at all levels.
• Ability to influence and lead stakeholders to drive quality and food safety standard

Desirable

• Degree in food safety/food science discipline.
• IOSH Managing Safety certification.

What will the interview process be?

• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.

We aim to make the process accessible and inclusive for all candidates. If you need adjustments, please let us know.

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)– this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Private medical Insurance
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• 25 days + bank holidays
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
• Access to great training and development opportunities

Our Values

Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.

Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient – We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources