Quality Assurance Manager / Quality Assurance Manageress

Quality Assurance Manager Position

W Talent is exclusively representing a leading food manufacturing business seeking to recruit a Quality Assurance Manager to join their team. This site-based role is located in the Bradford area and is essential for overseeing the Quality Assurance function, ensuring high standards of food safety, quality, legality, and hygiene across the operation.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced QA professional who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment. This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to work closely with Production and Operations teams to uphold and enhance quality standards.

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day QA function, supporting the team to ensure quality systems and processes are consistently followed throughout the site. This position involves close collaboration with Production, Operations, and senior management to maintain the Quality Management System (QMS), manage audits and non-conformances, support HACCP and food safety standards, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Quality Assurance team
• Manage the day-to-day QA function and priorities
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System
• Ensure compliance with SALSA and relevant food safety, quality, and legal standards
• Support HACCP reviews and food safety initiatives
• Investigate non-conformances, quality issues, and customer complaints
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Manage internal audit programmes, covering GMP, hygiene, CCPs, and quality systems
• Support external audits, customer visits, and inspections
• Monitor quality trends, KPIs, complaints, and testing results
• Verify CCPs and quality controls are effectively implemented
• Support validation and verification activities
• Coach and train production teams on food safety, hygiene, and quality standards
• Support supplier quality investigations and corrective actions
• Work closely with Production and Operations to resolve quality issues
• Promote a strong culture of food safety, hygiene, and continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to enhance quality systems and processes

Key Requirements

• Experience managing or supervising Quality Assurance in a food manufacturing environment
• Experience in a SALSA-accredited manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation and Quality Management Systems
• HACCP Level 3 or above
• Food Safety Level 3 or above
• Internal auditing experience
• Strong investigation and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Confidence in working with and influencing Production and Operations teams
• Experience in leading, coaching, or developing QA teams

Advantageous Requirements

• Familiarity with BRCGS or experience in a BRCGS-accredited environment
• Experience managing customer complaints and CAPA programmes
• Knowledge of root cause analysis techniques
• Supplier quality experience
• Experience with environmental monitoring or microbiological testing
• Understanding of Health & Safety management systems

Details & Benefits

• Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 DOE
• Permanent, full-time position
• Site-based in the Bradford area
• Bonus scheme
• Training and development opportunities

If you possess a background in Quality Assurance within food manufacturing and are looking for a hands-on management role where you can drive significant improvements in quality, food safety, and continuous enhancement, please apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.