Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager
Location: London
Salary: £33,000 – £35,000 per annum
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm (40 hours per week)
Benefits: 25 days holiday + bank holidays, company pension (5% employer / 3% employee), free on-site gym membership, discretionary Christmas bonus

About the Role

An established and growing food manufacturer is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead and strengthen their technical and compliance functions across multiple factories on one site.

This role requires a strong, visible presence on the production floor alongside office-based duties. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of quality assurance, food safety, and compliance, while also managing and developing a QA Technician.

This is a hands-on, fast-paced position where personality is key — we are looking for someone engaging, proactive, and influential, with the ability to inspire and maintain high standards across the team.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Duties

• QA walkarounds: hazards, hygiene, cleaning standards, pallets, chemicals, and FIFO compliance

• Verification of CCPs, fridge/freezer checks, finished product weights and specifications

• Ensure daily paperwork is completed and filed correctly

• Support packaging and goods-in areas in the event of staff shortages

• Address non-conformances and corrective actions immediately

• Handle customer complaints and supplier NCRs

Weekly Duties

• Probe & scale calibration

• GMP audits (3–4 per week)

• Staff induction, manual handling, and refresher training

• Machinery and health & safety training with supervisors

• Traceability and raw material paperwork checks

• Forklift, cleaning, and first aid compliance checks

Monthly Duties

• Microbiological and sensory testing with reports and corrective actions

• Internal audits, factory audits, H&S audits, and glass & hard plastic audits

• Supplier questionnaires, raw material specifications, and policy reviews

• COSHH training updates with line operators

• Pest control follow-ups and corrective actions

• Chemical and PPE stock management

• Technical reporting and Nutricalc for NPD

• Oversee maintenance job log and site standards

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain and update Quality Manual, company policies, and technical files in line with legislation

• Manage HACCP, CCP validation & verification, allergens, and process flow

• Lead staff training (hygiene, HACCP, allergens, manual handling, COSHH, H&S)

• Coordinate customer portals, technical requests, and product specifications

• Support new equipment risk assessments and process implementation with engineering teams

About You

We are looking for an experienced and motivated QA professional who can lead by example and influence at all levels.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong background in Quality Assurance within food manufacturing

• Knowledge of HACCP, food safety, allergens, and compliance standards

• Experience with internal/external audits and British Standards accreditation

• UK food industry experience is required

• Some supervisory or management experience

• Engaging, proactive, and hands-on leadership style

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a well-established and expanding food manufacturing group

• Genuine opportunities for career progression as the company grows

• Competitive salary and benefits package including pension, holidays, and a free on-site gym