At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product quality and food safety in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: Established food manufacturing business supplying major UK retailers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, bonus, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with leadership responsibilities and travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and brand integrity.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 € 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 career@rndrecruitment.co.uk or apply directly via our website.
Product Manager - Fresh Produce 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 competitive benefits including a salary of up to £55k plus bonus, this role offers a unique opportunity to thrive in a supportive workplace that values integrity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager - Fresh Produce
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work in quality assurance or product management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK food legislation and customer standards. We want you to show off your expertise in food safety and quality assurance, so practice answering questions related to these topics.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss examples of how you've led teams or managed projects in the past. We want to see how you can drive a culture of continuous improvement and food safety in your new role.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager - Fresh Produce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Manager role. Highlight your experience in food quality and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or certifications that match the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:When writing your application, focus on showcasing your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've driven continuous improvement in food safety and quality.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We want to see your passion for the role without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RND Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food quality standards and regulations. Familiarise yourself with UK food legislation and customer specifications, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also practical.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Product Manager, you'll be leading teams and managing stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to coach and develop others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
This role emphasises continuous improvement, so be ready to discuss how you've implemented changes in previous positions. Think about specific projects where you drove quality enhancements or operational efficiencies, and be prepared to explain the impact of those changes.
✨Build Relationships
The ability to build trusted relationships is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and regulatory authorities. Share examples that demonstrate your communication skills and your approach to stakeholder management.
