Head of Quality

About the Role

Vickerstock is collaborating with a prominent food manufacturing company to seek a Head of Quality. This leadership role offers a chance to design and execute the company's quality strategy while managing a dynamic technical team within a fast-moving production environment.

Reporting directly to the Operations Director and joining the senior leadership team, this position is crucial for championing food safety, quality excellence, and ongoing improvements. The role ensures adherence to the highest compliance standards, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and roll out the long-term Quality Strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
• Lead and cultivate the Quality department to build an engaged, high-performing, and customer-centric team.
• Guarantee full compliance with food safety regulations, legal requirements, and customer standards.
• Promote a culture focused on quality and continuous enhancement throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Oversee audits from customers, retailers, and external parties, keeping the site perpetually prepared.
• Drive investigation of root causes, implement corrective measures, and promote preventive improvements within quality systems.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with customers, regulatory authorities, and internal teams.
• Track quality metrics via KPIs to identify areas for improving efficiency, compliance, and product standards.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Operations, and Commercial teams to embed quality considerations into business decisions.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five years in a senior Quality or Technical leadership role, specifically in food manufacturing or the FMCG sector.
• Comprehensive understanding of food safety legislation, quality management frameworks, and retailer requirements.
• Proven track record of leading successful customer and third-party audits.
• Strong experience in team leadership, staff development, and driving continuous improvement programs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Commercially aware with skill in balancing strategic objectives against operational priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range from €95,000 to €105,000 per year, depending on experience.
• Senior leadership role offering significant influence within the organization.
• Chance to shape the quality strategy of a leading food manufacturing business.
• A collaborative, progressive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and long-term career progression.

Additional Information

If you are ready to advance your career and want to learn more, please contact Anna by phone or submit your updated CV in Word format. Even if this position isn't exactly right, but you have a passion for food, the recruiter is open to discussing other career prospects.