Quality Manager

Company Profile Our client is a leading UK flexible packaging manufacturer supplying innovative printed film solutions to many household names and all major UK retailers. Due to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an experienced Quality Manager to join their leadership team and drive quality excellence across the manufacturing site. The role Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Quality Manager will lead the site's Quality agenda and play a key role within the Leadership Team. This position is responsible for developing and implementing the quality strategy, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer expectations while driving continuous improvement throughout the business. You will lead the Quality Assurance team, ensuring robust quality systems are maintained and continually improved. You will work closely with production, technical and operational teams to ensure quality standards are consistently achieved, customer expectations are exceeded and the site remains audit-ready at all times. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality professional who enjoys leading teams, influencing change and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities • Lead and deploy the site's Quality & Food Safety strategy. • Develop and maintain the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with all customer and regulatory requirements. • Manage and develop the Quality Assurance team, providing coaching, leadership and ongoing development. • Ensure compliance with BRCGS Packaging, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HACCP and the company's Integrated Management System. • Ensure the manufacturing operation consistently produces products that meet customer specifications and quality standards. • Lead internal and external audits, ensuring the site remains audit-ready throughout the year. • Manage the internal audit programme and ensure all corrective actions are completed and closed effectively. • Lead customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis and CAPA activities, ensuring timely responses and effective preventative actions. • Monitor Quality KPIs, analyse trends and implement improvement plans to reduce waste, customer complaints and non-conformances. • Drive Continuous Improvement initiatives across Quality and wider manufacturing operations. • Work closely with Production, Engineering, Technical and Commercial teams to improve quality performance. • Support new product introductions and technical projects from a quality perspective. • Manage supplier quality performance and approved supplier documentation. • Ensure effective management of production hold stock and material release processes. • Lead risk assessments and business continuity planning relating to quality and food safety. • Present Quality performance within daily operational meetings and senior management reviews. • Promote best practice and develop a proactive quality culture across the site. • Ensure all quality documentation, SOPs and procedures remain accurate and up to date. What were looking for: The successful candidate will be a confident and engaging Quality leader who can influence at every level of the business while maintaining a collaborative approach. You will be passionate about continuous improvement and capable of driving high standards across manufacturing operations. You should have experience of managing customer expectations, leading audits and implementing quality improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Skills & Experience • Minimum 5 years' experience within a senior Quality Management role. • Manufacturing background, ideally within flexible packaging, printed films, converting or a related industry. • Strong working knowledge of BRCGS Packaging, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and HACCP. • Proven experience leading Quality Management Systems. • Excellent knowledge of CAPA, Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement methodologies. • Experience managing customer complaints and building strong customer relationships. • Strong leadership skills with experience developing and motivating teams. • Ability to influence cross-functional departments and drive accountability. • Excellent communication and organisational skills. • Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, operational performance and customer expectations. • Green Belt or higher Continuous Improvement qualification would be advantageous. • Knowledge of film converting or flexible packaging manufacturing would be highly desirable. Package: Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 • EV Company Car • Annual Bonus of up to 10% • BUPA Healthcare • Medicash Scheme