Main Purpose of the role; Responsible for the day-to-day management of the quality assurance team to ensure all products are manufactured safely and meet or exceed customer specifications. Key Responsibilities Audits · Support the site actively in the preparation of and during Customer or Third-Party Audits · To deputise in the absence of the Factory Technical Manager. Team · To 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 Compliance Factory based role with close collaboration with other functions to ensure product safety and quality, specifically: · To ensure that all technical policies and procedures are adhered to within the manufacturing environment and review compliance. · HACCP – ensure that CCP are monitored and verified · To ensure Technical Systems are adequately monitored so that documentary evidence can be provided to support a “due diligence” defence in the event of a food safety or quality issue. · Ensure all agreed testing schedules are adhered to e.g., raw materials, finished products, environment, taste panel and lab samples. · Confirm calibration schedule is maintained and appropriate corrective action is taken where required. · Attend customer panels as required. · Form part of the internal audit team. · Support when required the planning and maintenance of the validation schedule Management of KPIs · Manage process deviations e.g., concessions and incidents · To analyse laboratory results, understand data and report to business as appropriate. · Identify trends and out of spec results and drive appropriate corrective actions · To aid with the investigation of customer complaints, trending, and communication of these investigations to customers as appropriate Collaboration with external and internal teams To review contractor/service provider platforms e.g., pest control and ensure outstanding recommendations are closed out in a timely manner, trend results on a quarterly basis and escalate any issues to relevant departmental manager. To aid in the delivery of technical projects as required by the business and/or appropriate for personal development. Liaise with Supplier Assurance Manager to maintain the raw material supplier non-conformance system. Verify that appropriate corrective actions have been taken by the supplier to close off any non-conformances raised. Knowledge & Experience · HACCP Level 4 and Food Safety Level 4 desirable. · Degree/HND in Food related discipline. · Chilled Food Manufacturing background – chilled ready meals experience essential – minimum of 3 years’ experience · Management of small team of people · Good knowledge of Validation & Verification · Ability to write reports & analyse data · Internal Auditing Qualification (Lead Auditor or similar) · Sound knowledge of BRC & interpreting customer policies Liaising with customers