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Senior QA Job Description: Raw Meat Industry
Job Title: Senior Quality Assurance Manager
Location: Greater Manchester
Reports To: Director
Job Type: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:00pm (flexible within business operating hours of 5:00am – 6:00pm)
Position Summary:
The Senior QA Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of the site's food safety and quality management systems. This role ensures all meat processing activities comply with internal quality standards, national food safety laws (e.g., USDA/FDA/BRC), and customer specifications. The successful candidate will be a key liaison with production teams and regulatory agents, driving a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Quality Control & Assurance: Oversee and conduct daily inspections and quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to ensure adherence to specifications and hygiene standards.
- Compliance & Audits: Ensure full compliance with all relevant food safety authorities and international standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, BRC, ISO 22000). Prepare for and actively participate in internal, third-party, and regulatory audits.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date quality and compliance documentation, including SOPs, traceability records, and audit logs. Generate and analyse data/KPIs for management review and continuous improvement.
- Non-Conformances & CAPA: Investigate and document product non-conformances and deviations. Coordinate the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and manage the "hold" procedure for any non-conforming stock.
- Training & Mentorship: Assist the QA Manager in training and mentoring production staff on food safety, hygiene protocols, and GMPs, fostering a site-wide quality culture.
- Problem-Solving & Projects: Collaborate with production, technical, and New Product Development (NPD) teams to resolve factory issues, lead quality improvement initiatives, and support factory trials.
- Laboratory Testing: Liaise with external laboratories for product testing (microbiological, chemical, etc.) and action any out-of-specification results.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Education: A degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Meat Technology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline is a strong advantage.
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a quality assurance role within the food manufacturing industry, with specific experience in meat processing highly desirable.
- Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of HACCP principles, GMPs, SSOPs, BRC, and relevant food legislation is essential.
- Skills: Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and have the ability to lead and influence a team.
- Work Environment: Ability to work in a production environment which may include standing for extended periods, cold temperatures, and loud noises.
What You’ll Get
Benefit Details
Holidays
Pension
Free onsite parking
Mobile provided
Career development Progression opportunities
Bonus scheme / Car allowance can be incorporated as a package
Staff events/social
To apply, send your CV to (url removed) or call Helen on (phone number removed).
This vacancy is being handled by Aspire Recruitment. Due to high application volumes, we will only contact you within 14 days if selected for interview. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to Aspire Recruitment keeping you informed about future opportunities.
