My client is a manufacturer of an award-winning, natural brand with a 150-person team that are passionate about nutrition and due to incredible growth they require a Head of Quality to head up their Quality Department.
As Head of Quality Assurance you will be the site leader for the Quality Department which currently has 10 team members, including a QA manager, environmental health & safety officer, Registrations officer and senior process technicians. Due to extremely rapid growth, the team size is set to grow from 10.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Overall responsibility for Quality activities across the business
Create and implement best practice quality vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance
Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
Defines and implements facility processes in alignment with Plant Management to ensure finished product safety and quality, including all records/documentation, procedures, manufacturing operations are in compliance with company and other relevant regulatory requirements for ingredients & packaging used and products produced
Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process
Establish quality and reliability standards by studying industry benchmarks and the requirements of customers and research/design and development, and define the metrics required to assess performance against standards required
Implement new quality processes and systems where appropriate
Assist in continuous improvement activities throughout the business ensuring that problems are prevented and that customer requirements are met with any problems resolved effectively and economically
Work to prevent non-conformances, customer complaints, concession and rework alongside Manufacturing/Engineering and Operations to develop corrective and preventative actions within required time-frame
Develop the Quality Management System, updating procedures and train team members where required
Maintain procedures and processes ensuring companywide compliance to UK, legal and customer standards
Ensure effective internal and external audits
Ensure that corrective actions are delivered and non-compliance issues are resolved on time
Develop improvement and communication protocol within all systems and processes across the business
Support project management to cross functional activity required for project execution
Report on Quality activities on a regular basis to the Senior Management team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators
Provide leadership to departments under their control and coach, mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions
Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance in a timely manner
Ensure strong communication between teams under leadership to facilitate exchange of information and in order to implement change and improvements
Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors and any other organisational and ethical requirements
Responsible for developing the appropriate organisational structure, resource plans and culture to support the business objectives and customer deliverables
Provide leadership, coordination and coaching to the team, ensuring they are trained enabling them to achieve the operational and financial metrics within their areas of responsibility and succeed in their roles
Coordinate with engineering to ensure repeatable manufacture of product while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards and achieving cost targets in a timely fashion
Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance
Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery and compliance with the quality strategy
Communicate with stakeholders the impact of technology change and potential effects on supply.
Recommend solutions without compromising quality or service while optimising cost
Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on manufacturing activities
EXPERIENCE
5+ years of quality leadership experience
10+ years in powder manufacturing or similar food industry (i.e. powdered specialty ingredients)
Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development
Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers
Strong and confident negotiator with the ability to negotiate at all levels
Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
Commercially and financially astute with experience of managing budgets
Bachelor of Science (Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science) required
Considerable and diverse demonstrable experience of leading a quality function with a proven track record in strategic quality leadership delivering effective quality strategies, policies, processes and systems
Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements
Proven project management and quality experience
Experience of operating and influencing at a strategic level
Development and management of quality management systems and processes
WHAT’S ON OFFER…
A positive talented team working environment
A competitive salary taking into account your experience and skill set
28 days holiday including bank holidays
Cycle to work scheme
Government pension scheme
Childcare voucher scheme
Staff canteen food
Employee Discounts
