Job Description
Quality Manager
Job Purpose: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Quality Manager to lead our client's Quality department. The successful candidate will oversee the development and maintenance of Quality and Food Safety systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory, legislative, customer, and third-party standards. This role also involves providing technical expertise and advice on food safety and legal requirements, as well as leadership, support, and training for quality improvement projects.
Reports to: Technical Services Manager
Location: Naas, Co Kildare
Key Responsibilities:
Communication and People Management:
Lead, motivate, and develop a team of professional technologists.
Coordinate with all departments and managers, representing the team at senior management and Group level.
Influence decision-making to ensure the business's food safety and quality needs are met.
Ensure awareness of legislative and customer constraints, adhering to quality and food safety standards.
Department Management:
Incorporate Group KPI targets and objectives into the Plant system, ensuring they are measured, monitored, and achieved.
Communicate customer requirements effectively to the Operations team and ensure compliance.
Collaborate with the Innovation team for successful product launches and process improvements.
Manage the annual department budget.
Conduct strategic reviews of technical information, analyzing results and taking necessary actions for process improvements.
Champion staff training and development in food safety and quality areas.
Lead plant-wide Process & Quality System Improvements with a multi-disciplinary approach.
Identify and implement opportunities for quality improvement in manufacturing and business processes.
QMS & HACCP Systems:
Lead the site HACCP team, challenging processes and maintaining the food safety plan.
Head the site TACCP team, ensuring system integrity from a vulnerability and food defense perspective.
Ensure compliance of procedures, process documentation, and systems with customer and best practice requirements.
Implement the internal audit program for Quality System Compliance.
Manage external audits for food safety and quality for customers and governing bodies.
Customer Management and Service:
Maintain detailed specifications and quality standards for all finished products.
Develop and maintain internal specifications for the factory.
Manage customer queries or complaints promptly, involving other teams as needed.
Represent the company’s technical expertise to customers as part of service or issue investigation.
Contribute to the business development team, building new and existing customer relationships.
Supplier Management:
Maintain the supplier management process, ensuring compliance with customer and best practice requirements.
Review and evaluate suppliers, providing feedback on performance and quality.
Conduct supplier audits as necessary.
Manage the approval of new suppliers and keep the buying team informed of supplier performance.
Tester Programmes:
Ensure evaluation, validation, and verification of raw materials, processes, and finished products.
Lead the implementation of microbiological, chemical, and physical testing schedules.
Address non-conformances promptly, driving root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
Manage quarantined products, ensuring traceability and safety.
Oversee shelf-life analysis for ambient, chilled, and frozen products.
Qualifications/Skills/Experience:
Diploma or higher in a Food Science related subject.
5+ years in a similar role within the FMCG or food retail environment.
Knowledge of BRC standards and familiarity with cooking processes and high-care facilities.
People management experience is advantageous.
Lead auditor certification is preferred.
HACCP certification is essential.
Proficient in written, numerical, and verbal skills.
Strong numerical ability to interpret and analyze key process data.
Fluency in English.
Self-starter with a strategic view and implementation capability.
Strong team management and leadership skills.
Effective communication and presentation skills with customers, stakeholders, suppliers, and senior management.
Comprehensive understanding of food safety and quality management systems.
In-depth knowledge of food legislation, BRC Global Food Standard, and specific customer standards and codes of practice.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to perform well under pressure.
Proficiency in MS Office tools.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability.
Ability to work cross-functionally, meet deadlines, and build effective relationships.
Proactive in identifying and planning improvements.
Join our client’s team and lead the way in ensuring top-tier quality and food safety standards. Apply now to contribute your expertise and drive continuous improvement in an innovative and fast-paced environment.