At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product quality and food safety in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established food manufacturer known for high-quality fresh products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a culture of continuous improvement and strong food safety commitment.
- Why this job: Shape food quality standards and ensure brand integrity in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; HACCP Level 4 required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Location: Hayes, London
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Working pattern: Site-based
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
- HACCP Level 4
- 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 career@rndrecruitment.co.uk or apply directly via our website.
Product Manager employer: RND Recruitment
Join a leading food manufacturing business in Hayes, London, where your expertise as a Product Manager will directly influence product quality and food safety in a dynamic FMCG environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, a culture of continuous improvement, and the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams, this role offers a rewarding career path in a company that values operational excellence and brand integrity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work in quality assurance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK food legislation and customer standards. We recommend creating a cheat sheet with key points to discuss, so you can impress the interviewers with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or resolved quality issues. We want to hear about your experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our strong food safety culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Product Manager role. Highlight your experience in food quality and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like HACCP Level 4. We want to see how you fit into our world!
Showcase Your Achievements:When writing your application, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership and stakeholder management skills. Use numbers and examples to back up your claims. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the food manufacturing industry. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the job!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at RND Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around HACCP and TQMS, so you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, particularly in managing teams and driving a culture of continuous improvement. Think about specific situations where you've successfully led a project or resolved a quality issue, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, be ready to talk about how you've built trusted relationships in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your stakeholder management skills and how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the company's approach to food safety culture or how they measure success in product quality. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
