Product Quality & Compliance Manager
4 days ago
Spalding
My job About the Role We are looking for an experienced and motivated Product Quality & Compliance Manager to join our Technical team at our Spalding site. This is a pivotal role in ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of legality, food safety, quality and customer requirements while supporting continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will lead the site's Quality Auditors, build a strong food safety and quality culture, and work closely with both the Technical and Production teams to ensure products consistently meet specification. You will champion an "audit ready" environment, drive root cause investigation, and support the site in delivering best-in-class standards. Purpose of the Role Ensure factory compliance with legality, food safety, quality, GMP and customer/export requirements. Act as the site expert for product quality and specification compliance. Lead teams to identify continuous improvement opportunities. Identify and recommend yield and value improvement initiatives. Embed and deliver an "audit ready" factory culture. Lead root cause analysis for complaints and non-compliances. Coach and empower the Quality Auditor team to drive a strong food safety and quality culture. Maintain close, effective communication between Quality and Production teams. Ensure all unsafe, out-of-specification or substandard products/materials are held and assessed with the Technical team. Actively promote the principle that Quality & Food Safety is everyone's responsibility . Key Responsibilities Champion and promote a Food Safety & Quality Culture across the site. Lead during customer visits and third-party audits. Ensure calibration and verification schedules are up to date and non-conforming equipment is controlled. Coordinate CCP validation and verification activities. Maintain control of non-conforming materials through effective quarantine, corrective action and release processes. Oversee product monitoring and release through inspection, testing and organoleptic assessment. Be an active member of the internal audit team, ensuring start-up checks, fabrication audits and glass/hard plastics audits are robust and effective. Use data and trend analysis to identify issues, drive root cause investigation and implement corrective actions, with escalation where appropriate. Support the implementation of new systems and technology across the site and wider group. Lead the Quality team and drive a proactive site Quality Improvement Plan. Develop the site product sampling schedule, ensuring compliance with legislation, customer COPs and product specifications. Identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising standards. Promote and maintain high standards of health & safety. Deputise for the Technical Manager when required. Work closely with Production to maximise yield while meeting product specification. Monitor QA team performance, empowering and engaging the team to deliver excellence. Contribute to delivery of the Technical Quality Pillar. Lead unannounced product quality inspections with the site management team. Lead analytical studies targeting process improvement and optimisation. Create a culture committed to the highest standards of food safety and quality, leading by example. Encourage staff to report any issues immediately, rewarding positive behaviours (e.g., STAR Awards) and ensuring visible follow-up. Actively support the site Food Safety & Quality Management Systems via HACCP, audit programmes and QUOR utilisation. Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications Strong knowledge of raw materials, products and manufacturing processes. Solid understanding of QMS, procedures and relevant systems. Highly practical, detail-focused and factory-based in approach. Degree/HND in Food Science or equivalent. Level 3 Food Safety. Level 3 HACCP and Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9000 or 22000). Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities. Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Production experience advantageous. Strong judgement, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Behaviours At Pilgrim's, our values underpin everything we do. The successful candidate will demonstrate: Availability • Open, receptive and ready for new challenges. Humility, • Willingness to listen, respect others and value different perspectives. Discipline, • Committed to delivering consistently and reliably. Sincerity, • Truthfulness, honesty and respect in all interactions. Simplicity, • A practical, focused approach to what matters most. Ownership, • Accountability and pride in performance and outcomes. Determination, • Drive to overcome challenges and deliver results. Why Join Us? Opportunity to lead a key function in a high-performing manufacturing site. A business committed to safety, quality and continuous improvement. Supportive leadership and opportunities to grow your career. Competitive salary and benefits package. The company Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets. Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses. What we'll bring to the table Competitive Salary Competitive Holiday Entitlement Pension Contribution Family Friendly Policies Learning and Development Opportunities Life Assurance People matter Previous Next Our values Determination Simplicity Availability Humility Discipline Sincerity Ownership TPBN1_UKTJ