Quality Assurance Manager

Job PurposeThe role focuses on compliance, customers, and continuous improvement activities to create a total quality culture and reduce quality costs in line with best practice procedures. To protect and please the customer by ensuring supply of the highest quality productWorking with production and support functions to maintain and improve our quality systems and adherence to operational best practice thus guaranteeing compliance to external and internal standards To drive improvement activities to support quality and financial performance leading key improvement projects evolving through customer requirements, legislative changes, and amendments to accredited standards to ensure compliance with standards and pending accreditation auditsDraft, review and implement changes to our current quality systems, standard operating procedures, and policies to satisfy customer and third-party requirementsRole ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities - QualitySupport the Regional Manager and site Leadership team in quality governance Lead and support meetings as required and provide information and analysis as required to support the business in understanding KPI's and decision makingReview the quality system as appropriate to ensure full compliance with customer and company best practice guidelines and maximize effectiveness of production contributing to consistent operational performance and standards whilst ensuring conformance to the relevant accreditation standards for the site and customersProvide authoritative guidance and advice on all aspects of quality to the site management team and employees; train and coach employees improving knowledge and skills in quality improvementRecruit, develop, motivate, and manage a Quality team (QA/QC) that optimizes quality operations and is flexible in the support it offers the business, meeting current and future needs Establish and develop professional working relationships with customers, providing a technical service and reference point as required to support the company's products and reputation as a quality supplierManage the customer complaint procedure, facilitate the investigation of quality problems, faults, and non-conformances with production teams; manage corrective and preventative problems to ensure quality standards are maintained. Initiate and control robust investigations to provide corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and support the complaints handling process and participate in implementing improvement actions to prevent re-occurring issues.The facilitation of customer facing activities and communications including customer visits, responses, and preparation of information whilst leading site audit activities (external body, internal and customer)Lead quality initiatives and focus groups to support knowledge and understanding of all operatives and grow awareness of quality issues to improve qualityPromote a total quality philosophy at all levels developing a culture of right first time and continuous improvementIntegrate Quality Management System including quality, environment and health and safetyKey Responsibilities - Business ImprovementLead improvements to enhance quality system and ensure optimum process in place to meet customer specifications whilst maximizing productionReview amendments to standards and ensure compliance with accreditation bodiesSupport introduction of new equipment on site and validation processes to meet safety and customer expectationsTake on other projects and responsibilities as required.Contribute ideas and participate in ongoing business improvement initiatives to reduce overall operating costs, improve margin, and provide input into the strategy and operations of the siteKey Responsibilities - OtherProduce data and present reports for site, customers and corporate as requiredIdentify improvement projects and continuous improvement initiatives in line with site and corporate requirements to improve quality and safety and work with colleagues to implement theseSupport senior leadership team in introducing systems and procedures to enhance operating effectiveness and efficienciesDeliver GMP, Quality and FSC training to all employees as requiredTake on other projects and responsibilities as requiredKnowledge, Skills, ExperienceMinimum 3-5 years' experience in a Quality role at a senior or management levelWorking knowledge of and audit experience with accredited standardsDeep expertise in ISO 9000 standards and frameworks (required)Strong SQF (Safe Quality Foods) framework experience, including regulatory knowledge (required)Experience in a manufacturing/production environment ideally with experience and knowledge of Industry standards and guidelinesDemonstrable experience of leading change and implementing continuous improvement processes.Supervisory experience Demonstrable experience of validating new equipment and processesKnowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)Root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques Customer relations skillsSkilled in information handling, analysis, and presentationCompetent in using Microsoft Office packages Behaviours Analytical thinkingSelf-ControlTenacityRational PersuasionEfficiency FocusedConcern for standards and Results focusedCommunication/briefing skillsNegotiation/consultation skillsCommercial awarenessCore CompetenciesPeople ManagementLeadership & Vision - Ability to inspire a team with a clear vision and purposeCoaching & Developing people - The ability to teach operational skills to others and mentor/coach accordinglyManaging performance - Ability to monitor and evaluate performance and take appropriate action.Personal CompetenciesCommunication - Ability to convey ideas and decisions to internal and external customersDetermination - Ability to overcome obstaclesInfluence/Persuasiveness - Ability to influence and inspire others to actManaging the BusinessOrganization - The ability to judge situations accurately and make sound operational decisions to deliver results on timeContinuous Improvement - The ability to continually monitorand review current working practices and make the best use of resources to improve organizational resultsOther Requirements Flexible and adaptable to change and prepared to take on additional responsibilities with other duties as required to meet business needs. Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions. Be able to be self-motivated, standards driven, with a keen eye for detail whilst being team focused and harnessing collaboration and co-operation of others.

Created: 2026-05-10