QA Manager in Uttoxeter

QA Manager
Food Manufacturing | Competitive Salary + Benefits + Progression
Location: Uttoxeter
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and driven QA Manager to lead quality assurance activities within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality, and compliance while fostering a strong quality culture across the site.
Working closely with the Head of Technical and wider site leadership team, you will lead the QA function, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure the business consistently meets customer, retailer, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Food Safety & Quality Systems
Lead and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS).
Ensure compliance with food safety, legality, authenticity, and quality standards.
Maintain robust systems for traceability, product release, document control, calibration, internal auditing, and non-conforming product management.
Ensure the site remains audit-ready at all times.
Customer & Retailer Compliance
Manage compliance against retailer and customer codes of practice.
Lead customer audits, site visits, and certification audits.
Drive effective closure of audit findings and customer actions.
Stay ahead of evolving customer and industry requirements.
Quality Performance
Lead initiatives to reduce customer complaints and quality defects.
Analyse quality trends and identify opportunities for improvement.
Drive a proactive approach to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Challenge performance and standards where improvements are required.
Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop the QA team.
Build technical capability through training and mentoring.
Create a high-performing culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
Support succession planning and team development.
Continuous Improvement
Drive food safety and quality culture programmes across the site.
Lead quality improvement projects that enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance.
Ensure lessons learned from audits, complaints, incidents, and investigations are embedded into business processes.
Risk & Incident Management
Lead investigations into food safety and quality incidents.
Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action programmes.
Escalate significant risks appropriately and take decisive action when standards are at risk.
Exercise authority to stop production where food safety, legality, or quality could be compromised.
About You
We're looking for a quality professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
Essential
Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
HACCP Level 3 qualification (Level 4 desirable).
Internal Audit qualification.
Experience working within a BRCGS-certified food manufacturing environment.
Previous experience leading and developing QA teams.
Strong knowledge of food safety and quality management systems.
Proven experience managing customer and third-party audits.
Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
Strong communication and influencing capabilities.
Desirable
Experience working with major UK retailers.
Lead Auditor qualification.
Experience driving food safety culture initiatives.
Track record of delivering customer complaint reduction programmes.
Experience developing technical and quality teams.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business committed to quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. You'll have the opportunity to influence site-wide standards, lead a talented quality team, and play a pivotal role in delivering outstanding products to customers.
Apply today to take the next step in your Quality and Technical career.
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