At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product quality and food safety in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established food manufacturer known for high-quality fresh products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, bonus, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a culture of continuous improvement and strong food safety commitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and brand integrity in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in food manufacturing required.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
About the job
Location: Hayes, London
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00AM - 19:00PM
Working pattern: Site-based
Pay: up to £55k + bonus
Our client is a well-established food manufacturing business supplying major UK retailers and customers with high-quality fresh products. Operating within a fast-paced FMCG environment, the business is recognised for its strong food safety culture, operational excellence, and commitment to continuous improvement across the supply chain.
The Role
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Product Manager (Food Quality) to lead the factory product quality function at a key UK manufacturing site. Reporting into the Technical Manager, this role plays a critical part in assuring total product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance, while driving continuous improvement and resilience across operations. You will lead Technical Supervisors, act as a guardian of brand integrity, and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure products are safe, legal, consistent, and aligned with customer and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the overall product quality performance of the factory
- Own and continuously develop the Total Quality Management System (TQMS)
- Successfully manage all regulatory, customer, second and third-party audits (announced and unannounced)
- Drive a strong culture of food safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement
- Ensure all customer specifications are current, accurate, and fully embedded across the site
- Manage raw material intake quality, yield optimisation, and allocation
- Act as a key HACCP team member, ensuring all risk assessments, validation and verification systems are robust
- Lead effective resolution of quality issues and prevention of customer complaints
- Ensure full adherence to NPD and change control processes
- Coach, develop, and performance-manage Technical Supervisors
- Build trusted relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities
- Act as deputy in the absence of the Technical manager when required
Key Requirements
- Degree-qualified in Food Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related discipline
- Level 4 Food Safety Supervision (Manufacturing)
- Internal and Third-Party Auditing qualifications
- Proven experience in a food manufacturing, fresh produce, or horticultural environment
- Strong working knowledge of UK food legislation and customer standards
- Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder management capability
- Highly organised, data-driven, and resilient in fast-moving environments
- Fluent English (written and verbal)
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel within the UK and overseas on occasion
Why Apply?
This is a high-impact leadership role offering real influence over product quality, food safety, and brand integrity within a complex FMCG operation. To apply, please send your CV to or apply directly via our website.
Product Quality Manager - Fresh Produce in London employer: RND Recruitment
Join a leading premium bakery chain in London, where we pride ourselves on our vibrant work culture and commitment to employee development. As the Head of Multi-Site Bakery Operations, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training programmes, and opportunities for career advancement within a supportive team environment that values innovation and excellence in customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Quality Manager - Fresh Produce in London
✨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 RND Recruitment.
✨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 RND Recruitment!
✨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 RND Recruitment, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Product Quality Manager - Fresh Produce in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at RND Recruitment, 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 RND Recruitment.
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 RND Recruitment. 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 RND Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at RND Recruitment
✨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 RND Recruitment’s mission.
