Quality Group Lead

Overview

Job Title:

Quality Group Leader

Location:

Dorset

Salary: £37,000 - £40,000

Shift Pattern: 3 on / 3 off, 6:00am - 6:00pm

Reports to:

Technical Manager

To lead a small quality team and ensure compliance with food safety, customer, and certification standards. The role supports continuous improvement initiatives and maintains robust due diligence across site operations.

• Carry out food safety risk assessments.
• Manage validation activities including CCP, allergen cleaning, vegan cleaning, and prerequisite validations in line with customer and regulatory standards. Develop validation schedules, conduct validations and verifications, and coach team members in correct execution.
• Support the HACCP team as required.
• Conduct internal audits including quality systems, fabrication, CCPs, GMP, traceability, and mass balance audits in line with the audit schedule.
• Analyse non-conformance trends and work cross-functionally to implement corrective and preventative actions addressing root causes. Ensure timely closure of actions.
• Ensure CCP personnel are trained to current procedures and that production records are completed to standard.
• Manage pest control compliance, review contractor reports, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Coordinate certification audits and provide relevant site training.
• Supervise Quality Control Technicians covering intake checks, complaints handling, and export documentation as delegated. Deliver training and on-the-job coaching. Provide operational cover when required.
• Manage team HR processes including development plans, reviews, absence management, and performance matters with HR support.
• Maintain internal raw material specifications, approved supplier documentation, traceability lists, and intake records. Oversee sampling and laboratory submissions. Lead investigations into customer complaints.
• Verify packaging artwork against approved standards and maintain reference samples.
• Maintain factory standards to ensure continuous audit readiness.
• Develop KPI and performance reports as required.
• Conduct traceability exercises and investigations.
• Deputise for the Technical Manager when required.

• Minimum 5 years' experience within the food industry
• Experience working with quality management systems
• Experience managing a small team is desirable
• Understanding of food information regulations and customer portals
• Food-related qualification or relevant degree
• HACCP Level 2 & Food Safety Level 3

• Strong organisational and administrative ability
• Deadline-driven with effective time management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• People management capability
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Positive and proactive approach