Associate Manager – Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) in Ashford

The Associate Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA), is responsible for supporting food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance for imported poultry products supplied to Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), foodservice and retail customers in the UK. The role ensures products meet UK legal requirements, customer standards, and internal specifications from origin through import, storage, and distribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Safety & Quality Systems
  • Support the maintenance and continuous improvement of food safety and quality management systems aligned to BRCGS standards.
  • Maintain and verify HACCP, TACCP and VACCP plans specific to raw and cooked poultry, including microbiological, chemical, and physical hazards.
  • Ensure product specifications, risk assessments, and shelf‑life validation reflect imported supply chains and QSR usage conditions.
  • Monitor quality and food safety KPIs, driving corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Customer & QSR Requirements
  • Support compliance with QSR and other customer standards, specifications, and codes of practice.
  • Assist with customer audits, gap assessments, and ongoing performance monitoring.
  • Support management of customer complaints, food safety incidents, and withdrawals/recalls where required.
  • Act as an FSQA contact for customer queries related to poultry sourcing, traceability, and compliance.
• Supplier Oversight
  • Support approval, monitoring, and performance review of logistics providers (cold stores, hauliers).
  • Participate in supplier audits, risk assessments, and corrective action follow‑up.
  • Support alignment of supplier practices with UK customer expectations and brand requirements.
• Operations & Distribution Support
  • Work closely with supply chain, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure food safety controls are maintained throughout cold chain distribution.
  • Support management of non‑conformances related to storage, transport, and handling of frozen or chilled poultry.
  • Ensure traceability systems are robust, tested, and compliant with UK legal and customer requirements.
• Training & Food Safety Culture
  • Support delivery of food safety, hygiene, and quality training for internal teams.
  • Promote a strong food safety culture, particularly across import, logistics, and commercial functions.
  • Provide technical guidance on poultry hazards, hygiene, and regulatory requirements.

Skills & Experience

• Essential
  • BSc Degree or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in the same field.
  • Excellent spoken and written English is a MUST!
  • Experience working with poultry products in food manufacturing, import/export, or foodservice supply.
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety management systems.
  • Understanding of UK food safety legislation and import requirements for POAO.
  • Experience supporting audits and managing technical documentation.
• Desirable
  • Experience with QSR or major food service customers.
  • Knowledge of BRCGS Issue 9, FSSC 22000, or equivalent.
  • Internal or Lead Auditor qualification.
  • Familiarity with veterinary controls and border processes.

Personal Attributes

• Detail‑focused with strong organisational skills.
• Confident communicator able to work cross‑functionally and with external partners.
• Proactive, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, customer‑driven environment.
• Strong commitment to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Travel: 2-3 times per month

Relocation Assistance Eligible: No

Work Shift: Standard Office 7.5 Hours (United Kingdom)

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.