Job Title:
A Quality Assurance Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily activities of a quality assurance team to ensure all products are manufactured safely and meet or exceed customer specifications.
About the Role:
* Support the site in preparing for and conducting Customer or Third-Party Audits
* Deputise for the Factory Technical Manager as needed
Main Responsibilities:
* Manage, motivate, and develop a team of Quality Assurance personnel who will audit the Quality Systems according to a defined schedule
* IDentify training needs within the team and manage performance
* Evaluate technical policies and procedures adherence within the manufacturing environment and review compliance
* Ensure HACCP requirements are met, including monitoring and verifying Critical Control Points (CCPs)
* Maintain Technical Systems documentation to support "due diligence" defence in case of a food safety or quality issue
* Implement agreed testing schedules for raw materials, finished products, environment, taste panel, and lab samples
* Verify calibration schedules are maintained and take corrective action as necessary
* Participate in customer panels and internal audits
* Support validation schedule planning and maintenance
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
* Manage process deviations, concessions, and incidents
* Analyse laboratory results, understand data, and report to stakeholders as appropriate
* Identify trends and out-of-spec results, driving corrective actions
* Aid in investigating customer complaints, trending, and communicating findings to customers as necessary
Collaboration and Communication:
* Review contractor/service provider platforms, ensuring timely closure of outstanding recommendations and quarterly trend analysis
* Contribute to the delivery of technical projects as required by the business or for personal development
* Liaise with Supplier Assurance Manager to maintain the raw material supplier non-conformance system
Requirements:
* HACCP Level 4 and Food Safety Level 4 desirable
* Degree/HND in a Food-related discipline
* Minimum 3 years' experience in Chilled Food Manufacturing, preferably with chilled ready meals experience
* Management experience with small teams
* Good knowledge of Validation & Verification
* Ability to write reports and analyse data
* Internal Auditing Qualification (Lead Auditor or similar)
* Sound knowledge of BRC and interpreting customer policies