At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Quality team to ensure top-notch food safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join a supportive and inclusive food manufacturing company.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, career development, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management within the food industry is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
To lead the site Quality team and support the Head of Technical in driving a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality, and compliance are maintained across the site.
The Quality Manager is responsible for the day to day management of the site Quality team, ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and customer standards while supporting the wider business in achieving operational excellence. Working closely with Production, NPD, and Technical teams, you will help establish and maintain quality standards across the factory, ensuring employees, systems, and processes consistently meet internal and external requirements. You will also deputise for the Head of Technical in their absence.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the QA team, promoting a positive culture, skills development, and succession planning
- Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, food safety, legality, and BRC/customer requirements
- Drive a quality focused culture across the site through leadership and engagement
- Provide technical input into product trials, product launches, and cross functional projects
- Ensure HACCP principles are effectively applied and maintained throughout the operation
- Prepare for and lead customer, retailer, and third party audits, ensuring successful outcomes
- Manage corrective actions arising from audits, inspections, and customer requirements
- Lead investigations into customer complaints, audit findings, and product quality issues
- Monitor factory hygiene standards, manufacturing practices, and pest control programmes
- Lead traceability exercises and support ongoing improvements in site traceability performance
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, compliance, and waste reduction
- Manage quality KPIs and reporting, ensuring robust root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented
- Work closely with key customers and stakeholders to maintain strong relationships and confidence in site standards
- Deputise for the Head of Technical when required
The Ideal Candidate
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Proactive and solutions focused approach
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards
- Ability to influence and engage teams across all levels of the business
- Continuous improvement mindset with strong problem solving capability
Preferred Experience
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate or equivalent
- Proven experience within the food manufacturing industry in a similar quality management role
- Strong understanding of food safety risks and effective control measures
- Comprehensive knowledge of BRC standards and experience leading audits
- Experience managing quality systems and quality teams
- Strong understanding of HACCP, GMP, and food safety management systems
- Experience building positive relationships with customers, auditors, and key stakeholders
Benefits
- Online Benefits Hub
- Death in Service Benefit
- 8% Matched company pension
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Career Development Opportunities
- Supportive and Collaborative Working Culture
- Opportunity to play a key role in driving food safety, quality excellence, and continuous improvement across the site
Equal Opportunities
Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Quality Manager in Livingston employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Sofina Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and continuous improvement. As a Quality Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality are maintained, all within a company that values diversity and inclusivity. With benefits such as an 8% matched pension scheme, career development opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being, Sofina Foods stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager in Livingston
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe.
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe!
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Sofina Foods Europe, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Sofina Foods Europe, 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 Sofina Foods Europe.
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 Sofina Foods Europe. 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 Sofina Foods Europe. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe’s mission.
