Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager

Location: Kettering

Salary:  Competitive/ Benefits include pension, private healthcare, income protection etc.

We currently have an opportunity for a Quality Assurance Manager at Alpro. This role is crucial in achieving high standards of quality and food safety.

At Alpro, we are passionate about our commitment to sustainability and believe in building a healthier future through plant-based food. Our eating and drinking choices impact our health, the health of our society, and the health of the planet.

You will support the delivery of the value promise to customers and consumers by ensuring conformity in product, processes, and behaviour. You will promote a high standard of behavioural awareness and understanding of Quality (processes, policies, and procedures). You will provide guidance and ongoing support to the site teams to facilitate understanding and compliance with Quality/Regulatory Policies, Food Safety Programs (HACCP), procedures, and product specifications. To achieve success in this position, it is critical that the Quality Assurance Manager makes the Danone CODES Focus Behaviours (Agile, Human Centric, Accountable & Decisive, Inclusive & Collaborate, and Courageous with Empathy) real within the site practicing. You will strive for continuous improvement in quality while ensuring all goals and targets are met within Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Motivation & Environment parameters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Systems & Accreditation: Maintain a documented Quality Management System that reflects the site’s commitment to Food Safety, Legality, and Quality, satisfying third-party requirements. Ensure compliance with BRC, FSSC 22000, and other relevant standards.
• Audits: Lead and host all external audits such as FSSC22000, BRC, FSI, Kosher, Organic - Soil Association, FCA, Retailers/clients requirements, and ensure timely close-out of all non-conformances.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement and a Right First-Time Quality culture throughout the organization. Implement lean manufacturing techniques and methodologies.
• Team Management: Manage and lead direct reports to achieve the operational and strategic ambition of the department. Drive growth within the team through individual development plans.
• Training & Development: Facilitate the implementation of Quality standards by ensuring necessary training and support are available to the department and other functional areas. Empower and build self-sufficiency within the area.
• KPI Reporting & Escalation: Ensure any issues relating to Quality, Food Safety, or legality of the product are identified and communicated to the Site Quality FS Manager. Provide regular quality performance reports.
• Budget Controls: Produce and control an annual area budget for all activities relating to Quality Assurance. Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize tasks to deliver budget benefits.