QA Team Leader in Buckingham

Shift: Monday to Friday, (core hours are 08:30 – 17:00)

Salary: Competitive range of £40,000 to £45,000 based on experience

We are looking for a QA Team Leader to join our team reporting directly to the Quality Manager.

Responsibilities

• Provide first line leadership to the QA Technicians across the site, working side by side with them within the factory to drive factory standards.
• Ensure the on‑site compliance of all food safety and regulatory initiatives including HACCP, Organic Accreditation, Halal Accreditation, Pest Control and Sanitation in line with site, UK and Group standards and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the internal audit framework, such as GMP, Hygiene, Glass & Plastic, conduct regular audits as per schedule and ensure the closure of any non‑conformances.
• Conduct general QA duties including but not limited to production packing checks, label checking and reconciliation, blast and chiller temperature checks, micro sample recording and data trending.
• Maintain all equipment within the Quality laboratory, ensuring up to date calibration, maintenance and a stocked supply of consumables.
• Collaborate with all departments on food safety and quality matters, promoting the Site Quality Culture.
• Monitor product quality to ensure it meets required parameters from intake through to customer delivery, including efficient & accurate data entry and reporting.
• Assist in the site preparation and execution of customer and third‑party audits as appropriate with the Quality Manager.
• Support the Quality Manager in collating site customer complaints and CAPA (Corrective Actions and Preventative Actions) processes using RCFA (Root Cause Failure Analysis) to continuously improve our products and our processes.
• Recording and managing complaints through the CRM system.
• Maintain procedures and records within the quality management system and complete quality training requirements for site team members, as required.
• Continuously improve and drive the site’s quality performance.
• Monitor and report all supplier non‑conformances.

Qualifications & Expectations

• Commitment – To the environmental challenge, particularly with respect to resources.
• Curiosity – Constantly searching for new information and novel ways to use established wisdom.
• Humility – Sharing knowledge and experience freely to enrich others.
• Mindful disruption – Not held back by convention.
• Resilience – Trying, learning and trying again, whether we succeed or fail.
• Rigour & discipline – Use method and process to shape and answer questions.
• Customer centricity – Building relationships with customers by understanding and listening to their needs throughout the journey to purchase and after.

Have HACCP and Food Safety Level 3 Internal auditing skills – will be part of internal auditing team.

Experience (years & type of experience):

• 3+ years of Quality management in the food industry.
• Supervision/Management of a team.
• Experience of BRC and other GFSI certification.
• Experience and knowledge of the following RA, Fairtrade, Halal, Kosher and SEDEX.
• Experience of working with allergens and allergen management control.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite tools including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and in SAP transactions.

Other expertise:

• Strong written & verbal communication skills.
• Strong mathematics skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the site teams.
• Strong analytic and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organisational, planning and influencing skills.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary – competitive salary of £40,000 to £45,000 based on experience, reviewed annually.
• Annual Bonus Scheme – 5% standard, with stretch potential up to 10%.
• Generous Pension Plan – up to 7.5% employer contributions to support your future.
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover fully paid, with options to add family members.
• Up to 5 Weeks Annual Leave – plus flexibility to buy or sell additional days.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay – because your health matters.
• Learning & Development – structured programs with a target of 5 learning days per year.
• Wellbeing Matters – access to our “Calling for Caring” wellbeing initiatives.
• Life Assurance – 2x your salary plus a 20% spouse pension.
• Income Protection – financial support when you need it most.
• Loyal Service Awards – celebrating your milestones with us.
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential support for life’s challenges.
• Refer a Friend Scheme – earn £500 for successful referrals.
• High Street Discounts – save with Perkbox perks.
• Monthly “Magic Star” Awards – win £50 in vouchers for going above and beyond.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – save money and stay healthy.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.