Quality Assurance Manager

QA Manager
Location: Milton Keynes

Our client, a leading food manufacturer, is looking for an experienced QA Manager to join their dynamic site in Milton Keynes. This role will play a crucial part in upholding the company’s commitment to food safety and quality standards, while ensuring their products meet the highest levels of compliance. You will be managing a dedicated team of four direct reports within a wider team of 35, working in a fast-paced environment that requires strong leadership and attention to detail.

The Role

As the QA Manager, you’ll be leading the Quality Assurance function, ensuring the site maintains full compliance with food safety standards, including the company’s Manufacturing Standards, BRC Global Standards for Food Safety, and Retailer Codes of Practice. You’ll also be driving improvements across the site, working closely with various teams to develop a robust food safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with the Manufacturing Standard, BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, and Retailer Codes of Practice.
• Collaborate with managers and supervisors to action corrective measures, root cause analysis, and preventative actions within agreed timelines.
• Promote a strong food safety culture, continuously improving processes for food safety, legality, and quality compliance.
• Prepare the site for third-party and customer audits, ensuring it remains audit-ready at all times.
• Work with the Operations and Technical teams to reduce non-conformances and customer complaints.
• Lead and inspire your team, providing development opportunities through effective feedback, support, and clear objectives.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced QA professional with a proven track record in food manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of BRC standards, retailer codes of practice, and a comprehensive knowledge of allergen and listeria management. You’ll need to be a natural leader who thrives in a busy environment and is passionate about driving continuous improvement and food safety excellence.

Key Skills & Experience

• Formal qualification in Food Science or Technology (HNC minimum, ideally degree level).
• Experience in a Senior QA or Compliance role within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of BRC standards and retailer codes of practice.
• Proven ability to lead a high-performing team and manage complex non-conformances.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Next Steps

This is a fantastic opportunity for a QA Manager to make a significant impact within a growing and well-established organisation. If you’re passionate about food safety and ready for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.