At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a QA team to ensure top-notch food safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join Walkers Chocolates, a respected name in confectionery manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality in a fast-paced food manufacturing setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (Onsite – Walkers Chocolates HQ)
Salary: Up to £41,000 per annum (DOE)
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Hours: Mon - Thurs (7am to 7pm, 4 x 12 hour shifts)
Lead Quality Excellence in a Growing FMCG Manufacturing Environment!
Why Join Walkers Chocolates?
- Work for a respected heritage confectionery manufacturer
- Be part of a business committed to quality and continuous improvement
- Opportunity to lead and develop a QA team
- Supportive and collaborative site environment
- Career development opportunities within a growing FMCG business
Walkers Chocolates, a well-established and globally recognised confectionery manufacturer, is seeking a Quality Assurance Team Leader to join our Technical team at our Birmingham HQ!
The Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced QA professional ready to step into (or continue in) a leadership role within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of Food Safety, Legality, Quality and Product Authenticity, while supervising and developing a team of QA Operatives. If you are passionate about quality culture, continuous improvement and driving standards across manufacturing and co-manufacturing operations, we would love to hear from you.
Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will be responsible for supervising the QA team and ensuring that products and processes meet internal, customer and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and support the QA team to ensure high standards are consistently achieved
- Ensure products are manufactured to agreed internal and external specifications
- Lead investigations into internal, supplier and customer non-conformances
- Conduct root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA) and implement effective CAPA plans
- Monitor and verify CCPs (metal detectors, sieves, weight control, coding checks etc.)
- Perform risk assessments to determine product safety and compliance
- Monitor incoming raw materials and packaging against specifications
- Complete and review Quality Attribute Sheets (QAS)
- Conduct GMP audits, track trends and drive CAPA close-outs
- Support site preparation for internal, customer and third-party audits
- Ensure traceability exercises are completed accurately
- Maintain documentation and ensure records are audit-ready
- Promote and embed a strong Quality Culture across the site
- Collaborate with Production, Commercial and Supply Chain to align on quality expectations
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve efficiency
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive QA professional with strong leadership capability and a solid background in food manufacturing.
Essential Qualifications
- GCSE (or equivalent) minimum
- HACCP Level 3
- Food Safety Level 3
Essential Experience
- Previous experience within a food manufacturing environment
- Experience supervising or leading a team in a manufacturing setting
- Experience working in a highly process-driven environment
- Experience managing and working to product specifications
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong organisational and planning capability
- Analytical thinker with effective problem-solving ability
- Ability to manage, coach and develop a team
- Strong understanding of food safety standards and operational quality processes
- Performance Focus
You will be accountable for:
- 100% completion of hourly process and CCP checks
- Effective management and resolution of food safety and quality issues
- Audit participation and successful compliance outcomes
- Maintaining full documentation accuracy and traceability
- Setting objectives and motivating the QA team to deliver performance standards
If you are ready to take ownership of quality standards and lead from the front in a dynamic manufacturing environment, apply today!
No agencies please
Quality Assurance Team Leader employer: Walkers Chocolate
Walkers Chocolates is an esteemed employer in the FMCG sector, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at our Birmingham HQ. With a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement, we provide ample career development opportunities for our employees, allowing you to lead and nurture a dedicated QA team while contributing to the legacy of a respected confectionery manufacturer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who might know someone at Walkers Chocolates. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety standards and quality processes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and tackled quality issues in the past. Show them you’re the QA leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the QA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Assurance Team Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience in food manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance and how you can contribute to our team at Walkers Chocolates. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's improving processes or leading successful audits, we want to know how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples work wonders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll be directly in our system, making it easier for us to review your application. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walkers Chocolate
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Before the interview, brush up on food safety standards and quality processes relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with HACCP and GMP principles, as well as any specific regulations that Walkers Chocolates adheres to. This will show your commitment to quality and your understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a previous role. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve high standards. Highlight your ability to coach and develop others, as this is crucial for the Quality Assurance Team Leader position.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss methods like root cause analysis and CAPA plans you've implemented in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Continuous Improvement
Walkers Chocolates values a culture of continuous improvement, so be ready to share your ideas on how to enhance quality processes. Discuss any initiatives you've led or participated in that reduced waste or improved efficiency, showing that you're proactive about driving quality excellence.
