Quality Compliance Manager – Food & Beverage Manufacturing
A leading food and drink manufacturer based in Ashford is seeking a Quality Compliance Manager to oversee site compliance with food safety, legal, and customer standards. This hands-on technical role is ideal for someone experienced in BRCGS, HACCP, and customer specification systems who can lead audits, manage quality systems, and support continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
Role Overview:
As Quality Compliance Manager, you’ll take the lead on ensuring the site meets certification and customer standards, including BRCGS Food Safety, major UK retailer requirements, and current food legislation. Working closely with the Technical Manager, you’ll manage internal audits, customer compliance, complaints, and Quality Control staff to ensure products meet all quality and safety expectations from intake to dispatch.
Key Responsibilities as Quality Compliance Manager:
* Maintain and develop the site’s BRCGS Food Safety Standard certification and ensure readiness for unannounced audits
* Ensure full compliance with retailer-specific codes of practice, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl, and others
* Lead the Quality team (Technical Assistants and QCs), providing training, coaching and performance management
* Manage and conduct internal audits (GMP, hygiene, traceability, allergen controls), ensuring all non-conformances are investigated and closed
* Monitor key metrics including complaints, audit scores and deviations, and report trends to the site management team
* Coordinate and host external audits, including third-party, customer, and regulatory bodies
* Review and maintain accurate product and raw material specifications in line with customer portals (e.g. Specsavers, Hamilton Grant)
* Investigate customer complaints and drive root cause analysis and preventative actions
* Ensure effective implementation and validation of HACCP plans, allergen controls and labelling compliance
* Support NPD processes by ensuring all technical documents, traceability and QMS updates are completed before launch
* Liaise with suppliers and service providers to maintain ingredient and packaging compliance
Essential Experience & Skills as Quality Compliance Manager:
* Degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Food Technology or a related field
* Proven experience in a QA or technical role within food manufacturing
* Experience with BRCGS Version 9 and UK retailer food safety standards
* Intermediate HACCP qualification and Internal Auditor trained
* Good working knowledge of food law and labelling regulations
* Familiarity with customer specification portals and supplier approval processes
* Excellent communication and organisational skills with strong attention to detail
* Competent in Microsoft Office and document control/QMS software
Desirable:
* Experience managing third-party or customer audits
* Microbiological awareness and experience interpreting testing results
* Working knowledge of allergen management and risk assessments
What’s on Offer:
* Starting salary of £55,000
* Hands-on leadership role with scope to influence quality systems and team development
* Opportunity for you to have a big positive impact on a growing business
* Opportunity to work closely with leading UK retailers
* Supportive, collaborative working environment
* Structured progression and personal development
If you’re looking to take the lead on food safety and compliance in a technically strong and supportive team, this Quality Compliance Manager role offers both the challenge and platform to advance your career