Quality Control Supervisor / Manager in Harlow

About Us

We are a newly established and rapidly growing food manufacturing business specialising in high-quality burger production. Operating from a state-of-the-art, highly automated facility, we are committed to delivering exceptional product quality while building a strong, forward-thinking food safety culture from day one.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Control Supervisor / Manager to lead and develop our quality and food safety systems. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring our products consistently meet regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and internal standards within a high-risk meat processing environment. This role reports directly to the Operations Manager. This is a brilliant opportunity for an ambitious quality professional to make their mark, joining the business at the very start of its journey. You will play a pivotal role in shaping systems, standards, and culture within a modern, highly automated food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) and HACCP plan.
• Ensure full compliance with UK food safety legislation, industry standards (e.g. BRCGS), and internal policies.
• Oversee daily quality control activities across raw material intake, production, and finished product release.
• Lead internal, external, and customer audits, including regulatory inspections.
• Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) and ensure accurate, real-time record keeping.
• Manage non-conformances, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Analyse quality data, trends, and KPIs to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee supplier approval processes and ensure raw material and vendor compliance.
• Maintain full traceability systems and lead mock recalls where required.
• Ensure labelling compliance, including allergen control and current UK legislation.
• Train, mentor, and support production teams on food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, technical, and operations teams to improve processes and product quality.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in a Quality Control/Quality Assurance role within the meat or food manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in a quality leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP (Level 3 minimum; Level 4 desirable).
• Relevant degree or professional qualification in Food Science, Quality, or a related field.
• In-depth understanding of UK food safety legislation and retailer/industry standards (e.g. BRCGS).
• Experience working in high-risk environments such as meat processing or burger manufacturing.
• Strong audit experience, including customer and regulatory audits.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
• Good IT skills, including Excel and digital systems for on-site data capture.
• Knowledge of shelf-life testing and microbiological standards (required).

Desirable

• Internal Auditor qualification (BRCGS or equivalent).
• Experience with retailer standards (e.g. Tesco, Aldi, Lidl).
• Familiarity with CAD systems (where applicable to process/layout improvements).

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to join at the start of an exciting growth journey.
• The chance to shape and build quality systems from the ground up in a highly automated factory.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Career progression opportunities as the company expands.
• A dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive working environment.