The Quality Control Manager’s role is to lead a site-based Quality Control team in the development and delivery of a robust technical strategy that ensures Alpro Kettering delivers products of consistent, specified quality and uncompromising safety, in line with local legislation, Danone Analytical Excellence ambition.  To build relationships both internally and externally that challenge and support technical excellence.

Responsible for establishing and executing a Quality Control roadmap that targets deviations linked to potential analyst testing, equipment / method deviations, etc. Work in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders to continuously development and improve of all testing capabilities to ensure adherence to the most recent KARMA table and Danone Analytical Excellence requirements.

Responsible for fostering a culture of driving a continuous improvement mindset. Ensuring adherence in delivering the laboratories core activities in line with Good Laboratory Practices, ISO and FDA standards, SQCDME (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Motivation, Environment) and IWS governance and the department’s strategic vision.

Working closely with the Quality Assurance Manager and reports direct to Food Safety and Quality Manager to align on key business priorities and external project support linked with laboratory activities and analytical excellence.

Maintaining and improving quality standards using principles of lean manufacturing techniques / methodologies (SQCDME & IWS).

To be responsible for ensuring all operations within the areas of responsibility are carried out in a safe manner. To be fully aware of company procedures relating to Fire Evacuation, Accident Reporting, and Food Safety. To ensure all staff behave in a safe and responsible manner within the area of responsibility.

Responsible for managing and leading direct reports to achieve the operational and strategic ambition of the department. Accountable for driving motivation, carrier path and growth within the team through individual development plans.

About You:

You will be able to work using your own initiative, have the ability to prioritise and think ahead with strong communication skills and be able to solve technical and complex problems.

The following qualifications/skills are required:

• Fluent in English spoken and written.
• Actual job or equivalent in other organisations manager/ team leader.
• Experience of Previously Managing all FDA, FSCC2200 and ISO Accreditations.
• Formal Qualification in Internal Auditing .
• Trained in Level 4 Food Hygiene.
• Educated to degree level or industry experienced/ Professional qualifications.
• Experience of working in a Quality environment essential.
• Experience of manufacturing preferred.
• Strong Quality Management / Improvement background advantageous.
• Relevant academic qualifications/experience.
• Significant work experience in leading teams in pharma or FMCG environment.
• Capable of working on multiple priorities and setting targets and timeframes.
• Project management skills.
• Adaptable enough to work in an environment that changes / challenges daily.
• Ability to work in a pressurised, heavily targeted, and measured environment.

Technical knowledge of laboratory equipment and laboratory processes:

• Thorough knowledge of analytical methods widely used in the food industry.
• Technical affinity with working principles of specific lab devices: SPRINT, Sartorious, Metrohm, Kjeldahl, Biotrace, NIR, ATP.
• Knowledge of statistics and validation techniques: monitoring measurement uncertainty and quality controls, process of 1st, 2nd and 3rd line checks, hypothesis testing, sample preparation and distribution.
• Experience with quality and continuous improvement processes.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office.
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• Role is assessed against the Quality Functional Road map and is highly transversal internally within Quality as well as other Danone functions such as Product Development, Production, Planning, Finance.
• Balancing operational requirements against strategic vision.

• Good analytical and technical capabilities.

Functional Competencies needed:

• Project management
• Presentation skills
• Continuous Improvement Techniques
• Problem solving skills.
• Accustomed to use risk Assessment Techniques knowledge.
• Accustomed with physical processing of food ingredients,
• Knowledge of Food Regulations
• Quality & Food Safety Systems
• Inquisitive attitude
• Excellent Communicator
• Influencing Skills
• Developing and managing strong relations within internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to look at bigger picture of requirements whilst working at day-to-day detail level.
• Decisions taken can impact patients’ lives, as it’s a sole source of nutrition and require contact with medical advisory groups at times.

Managerial Competencies and Personal Skills needed:

• Committed
• Inspire & be the vision.
• Commit to creating breakthrough results.
• Open
• Good listener
• Must have experience working within a cross-functional team
• Experience of working in a Quality role
• Significant exposure of implementing and leading within a Company having continuous improvement-based culture
• Experience of working within a Food environment
• Must have Auditing experience
• Experience of implementing and working with Quality, Food safety Management Systems
• Experience of evaluating and implementing quality systems and specifications
• High knowledge in GMP, PRP, HACCP, BRC and FSSC 22000 standards
• Experience using the Microsoft Office suite
• Strong process orientation, a logical thinker with analytical ability
• Knowledge of CIP systems is desirable
• Experience with retailers is desirable
• An experience of leading a team is desirable
• Knowledge of microbiological analyses is desirable
• Ability to demonstrate a sound understanding of operational processes and controls and be able to see the big picture
• Can demonstrate the ability to communicate with clarity, purpose, and authenticity
• Can evidence set clear direction and striving to have the greatest possible impact
• Is self-aware and growth-oriented, understands their own strengths and limitations
• Values promoting continuous learning through experimentation and feedback
• Collaborates across the organisation and builds and harnesses their network
• Takes decisions and acts with a combination of confidence and humility
• Structured and can demonstrate a willingness to measure results in quantitative as well as qualitative terms.

We are the market leader in an ever-expanding category.  As a site here at Kettering we have record breaking teams with in the Alpro group and are massively proud of those successes.  We fully intend to continue to build on these successes.  All operational roles are instrumental to the Team, winning in all areas especially Health and Safety.

Alpro UK is a division of the Danone Group, and the Kettering Supply Point is a strategic food manufacturing factory within the division as it is a major supplier of Alpro drinks within the network.