Food Safety and Quality Manager

Job Title: Food Safety & Quality Manager
Location: Dungannon, Northern Ireland
Employment Type: 12 month contract

We are currently seeking a highly experienced Food Safety & Quality Manager to join a leading food manufacturing company. This is a pivotal role that will allow you to play a key part in ensuring the safety, legality, and quality of all products produced across the site. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement across the operation while maintaining compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain a HACCP-based Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with customer, BRC, and legislative requirements.
• Manage and lead the HACCP team, overseeing daily operations and ensuring full adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Support the New Product Development (NPD) team by providing specifications, product information, and technical support to ensure successful product development and compliance with customer requirements.
• Monitor factory cleaning, housekeeping, and hygiene standards through regular audits and analysis of reports. Develop action strategies for improvement where necessary.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to internal departments, fostering awareness and understanding of quality and food safety issues.
• Manage corrective actions related to non-conforming products, including ingredients and returns, ensuring timely resolution and effective problem-solving.
• Liaise with customers and statutory bodies during factory visits and audits, implementing corrective actions as needed and compiling response reports.
• Oversee product analysis, including microbiological, shelf life, and chemical testing, ensuring corrective and preventive actions are implemented when necessary.
• Develop and maintain the Crisis Management System, and ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and internal audits.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product and process improvements to meet customer and legislative requirements.

Continuous Improvement:

• Lead the continuous improvement program within the Technical department, driving the use of Lean Manufacturing and other improvement techniques.
• Develop and track improvement action plans, ensuring full execution to enhance business performance and meet industry standards.
• Establish best practices within the Technical department to contribute to operational excellence and improved financial performance.

Health and Safety Responsibilities:

• Lead Health and Safety compliance across the site, ensuring adherence to all relevant safety regulations and company policies.
• Conduct safety inspections, identify hazards, and implement risk assessments and corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure the safety of plant, machinery, and equipment and provide proper protective clothing and equipment to staff.

Qualifications & Experience Required:

Essential:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar food manufacturing role, with a strong background in auditing and quality systems.
• A 3rd level qualification in a relevant food discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of BRC standards, HACCP, and food hygiene legislation.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven experience in managing cross-functional teams and working with external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Advanced food hygiene certificates and experience in internal auditing.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with customers and other external contacts.
• A strong track record of continuous improvement initiatives and project management.

Please apply down below!