Food Safety and Quality Leader

Job Title: Food Safety & Quality Team Leader

Description

We are hiring for our client for an experienced Food Safety & Quality Team Leader to lead and develop the QA function within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

The Food Safety & Quality Team Leader will report directly to the Technical Manager and take ownership of driving site-wide food safety, quality, and compliance standards. This role will play a key part in maintaining an audit-ready Quality Management System, ensuring full compliance with BRC, ISO, RSPO and customer requirements.

The successful Food Safety & Quality Team Leader will combine strong technical expertise with people leadership, supporting the development of the QA team while working cross-functionally with Production, Operations and R&D to deliver continuous improvement across the site.

Top 3 Things to Know About this Job

1. Leadership role with real influence across site-wide quality and food safety

2. Strong exposure to BRC, ISO and retailer standards

3. Opportunity to deputise for the Technical Manager and progress within Technical

The Role

• Lead, manage and develop the QA/Technical team to ensure high standards of food safety and quality

• Maintain an audit-ready Quality Management System in line with BRC, ISO and RSPO standards

• Support and lead internal and external audits, working closely with the Technical Manager

• Manage team performance including training, development, 1-2-1s and absence management

• Organise daily workload and provide technical support across operations

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality systems and processes

• Monitor and manage food safety systems including GMP, allergen control, hygiene, traceability and CCPs

• Oversee customer complaints, non-conformances and CAPA processes, including trend analysis

• Support production to ensure compliance with customer specifications and legal requirements

• Collaborate with R&D and Technical teams on new product launches

• Deliver training and promote a strong food safety culture across the site

The Person

• Third level qualification in Food Science or related discipline (or equivalent experience)

• Proven experience within a food manufacturing technical or quality role

• Strong knowledge of BRC, ISO, HACCP and food safety standards

• Previous experience leading or supervising a team desirable

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and customer technical portals

• Highly organised with strong analytical and problem-solving ability

• Proactive mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

The Reward

• Competitive salary

• Strong opportunity for career progression within Technical leadership

• Exposure to senior decision-making and site-wide improvements

• Supportive and collaborative working environment