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.

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:

• Degree in a related discipline such as Food Science.
• Proven track record of managing a Quality team in a fast-paced, high-tech, and high-volume environment.
• High knowledge in GMP, PRPs, HACCP, BRC, and FSSC 22000 standards.
• Auditing experience and knowledge of microbiology.
• Experience in leading a team and working in Food Companies.
• Strong process orientation, logical thinking, and analytical ability.
• Experience using the Microsoft Office suite, with at least intermediate-level Excel skills.
• Ability to work in a pressurized, heavily targeted, and measured environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead and influence across all functions and levels.

You will be joining a dynamic, winning team, with a keen focus on delivering in the safest way possible. You will be responsible for the safe operation and troubleshooting of the facility’s equipment and instruments. We are the market leader in an ever-expanding category.  We have record breaking teams within the Alpro group and are very proud of our successes.  All operational roles are instrumental to the Team winning in all areas, especially Health and Safety. 

The closing date for applications 10^th November 2024.  All applications must be submitted online.

You can find further details about us, and other potential roles at www.danone.com

Ensuring an inclusive working culture that is accessible to all is important to us.