Prepworld are looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to manage the QA function, ensure product complies with both integrity, safety and quality in order to meet customer expectations. Main duties: Team Management and Expertise To effectively manage team members in a proactive manner daily, including; team meetings, undertaking performance reviews, completing team administration, managing ad hoc HR issues, recruitment and training/development activities Represent the QA team and take responsibility for the delivery of this team's accountabilities. Develop, train, maintain and support the QA team to ensure business needs are met, including the development of a multiskilled QA team function Provide technical expertise and guidance to the company, team members and other parties. Provide support and drive quality accountability of key persons in the operations team, identified with other heads of department. Ensure that continuous improvement/best practice as well as effective team working is a priority for all. Ensure customer requirements are implemented and maintained in the factory through the QA team, using a working knowledge of retailer requirements Product Quality and Safety Ensure that the product produced meets food safety, legal, quality and customer requirements. Take the lead on quality issues that occur, giving clear direction, decision making and resolution. Drive the move from QC to QA culture on site. Ensure that a procedure and schedule is in place and adhered to for quality assessment of products (organoleptic) Ensuring a thorough investigation takes place of any customer complaints Ensure that the Hold & Release procedure is followed, and that corrective actions for held items are implemented promptly. Ensure that the issuing of labels (product, crate or promotional) is controlled and effectively managed. Ensure that the factory auto-coding system is fully up to date and working, and that training and understanding of the system is in place throughout the system operators and managers Take ownership of key areas of factory compliance, working closely with the technical manager on: Fabrication audit, GMP audits, Metal detection, Check weighing, Calibration, Taste panelling. This is not an exhaustive list. Take an active part in the internal audit programme, and ensure site is always audit ready Have input and approve factory based technical procedures. Involvement in factory waste reduction projects. Produce, implement and drive accountability on site for a full suite of KPIs for the QA function to include GMP results, non-conformances, Concessions and any other key metrics for quality and food safety Who we are looking for Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a food related technical or quality management / supervisory role Experience of a high care, ready-to-eat environment and preferably with prepared fresh produce HACCP, Auditing, Food Safety qualification would be advantageous. Experience of managing a team and supporting and developing direct reports Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders Flexible approach and be willing to adapt ways of working to support team requirements Accomplished team manager and motivator Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook What we provide in return Medicash (allowances to cover costs such as dental and optical bills, physiotherapy, alternative therapies, and even consultancy charges, available for employees and their families. A taxable benefit) Wagestream (track your earnings and instantly access up to 50% of your money as you earn it, without waiting for payday) Internal Learning and Development programme including our inspiring Leadership Programme Annual bonus (non-contractual) Free, on site parking with electric charge points Staff events Staff restaurant serving heavily subsidised hot and cold food Fruit pots on Wednesdays Modern offices and facilities A supportive team Days and hours of work: Monday to Friday, 08:00am - 17:00pm with 1 hour unpaid break each day Salary: Up to £45,000 depending on level of exepreince, skills and qualifications Location: Prepworld - Northfleet, DA11 8HH