Due to an internal secondment this great opportunity has arisen. The company are quite flexible regarding working days/hours but ideally, they are looking for someone that can commit to a minimum of 3 days a week for approximately 6 to 9 months.

Job Purpose
To provide technical resource to the factory operation and manage the QA function to ensure that the systems, processes, people and products comply with all required legislation, due diligence and quality standards.

Main Accountabilities

• First point of contact for site matters appertaining to food safety and legality.
• Manage and develop the QA and Hygiene Teams with the QA Managers and Section Leaders.
• Lead Daily QA Meetings with the QA Team and escalate any pertinent issues which need actions and decisions.
• Soft and hard people Management activities such as conflict resolution, performance
• management and return to work interviews.
• As well as attending and championing QA issues, prepare reports and information for
• daily, weekly and monthly meetings
• Support the QA Managers and Section Leaders in communications with suppliers, growers and internally regarding quality.
• Look at ways to improve quality performance as well as commercial opportunities to
• capitalise on customer specifications with the QA, Technical and Production Teams to
• maximise crop and returns for the business alongside the QA Managers.
• Develop, review and control the business Quality Manual, Procedures and SOP’s to ensure that the business operates at the standards required by customers and certification bodies.
• Maintain and develop good working relations with other teams especially production and
• distribution to aid continuous improvement in Operational Areas.
• Maintain an up to date knowledge of target standards (BRC, Organic and Customer specific
• Codes of Practice) adapt systems and implement any changes to ensure compliance at all times.
• Manage the TE HACCP system which will be used as the foundation for the Quality Manual.
• Ensure that across functional trained team meets routinely to review performance and recommend changes to the operation of the business.
• Oversee the maintenance and implementation of all document control to include Customer Specifications, TE Raw Material Specifications and the Quality Manual to ensure
• total document control traceability.
• Oversee the maintenance and use of QA apparatus and equipment and ensure the Production and QA Departments have the correct tools to do their jobs.
• Put in place the Microbiological testing schedule for the site with the QA Manager based on customer standards and risk assessment, liaise with the relevant laboratories.
• Procurement of cleaning materials and chemicals.
• Work on improvement projects and initiatives cross functionally such as training plans.
• Put in place and maintain the Internal Audit Schedule with the QA Managers.
• As part of the Audit Team- engage with all areas of the site to monitor compliance and work standards across QA, in loading, production, engineering, out loading, hygiene, labour provision and training to ensure compliance and guard against non-conformance.
• Evaluate, update and maintain new QA systems as a result of audits and any changes to standards.
• Accountable for traceability, product recall tests and coordinating collation of samples for external quality testing to uphold and monitor standards.
• Be prepared to co-ordinate unannounced external audits of the operation, collating all relevant information and assisting auditors as required, ensuring a successful outcome.
• Co-ordinate with relevant teams such as production, distribution and hygiene to prepare the site for any Customer visits.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• A dynamic approach with a broad technical knowledge and a level of experience gained from working in the fresh produce or fresh/chilled industry that will ensure contribution from day one.
• A detailed knowledge and experience of the major retailers and the technical standards required.
• Strong communication, organisation, planning and problem-solving skills.
• A tenacious nature in order to ensure that all areas of the business adhere to QA systems and procedures.
• Experience of working and achieving results cross-functionally in a continuous improvement culture.
• A detailed knowledge and experience of HACCP, auditing, BRC, etc.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a team across a 24/7 business.