Quality Systems Manager

OUR CLIENTPleased to be working with our client, F.D. Copeland & Sons who are seeking a highly capable Quality Systems Manager to lead, maintain and continuously improve their Quality Management System across food safety, auditing, compliance and Health & Safety. This is a hands-on, influential role where you will work cross-functionally, drive high standards, and ensure we remain fully compliant with BRCGS, ISO9001 and industry expectations. THE ROLEQuality Management SystemYou will oversee all elements of the QMS, ensuring documentation, standards and processes remain current, compliant and fully embedded across the business.Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee and maintain the Quality Manual and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Liaise, book and lead 3rd-party audits including BRCGS, ISO9001, EHD and Organic
• Ensure all standards are up to date, implemented and trained out to relevant staff
• Co-ordinate the internal audit programme, including GMP and glass & hard plastic inspections
• Lead the HACCP team, maintaining and reviewing HACCP documentation and risk assessments
• Lead Threat & Vulnerability and Raw Material risk assessments
• Manage the Supplier Approval programme for raw materials, packaging and service suppliers; complete supplier reviews with management
• Manage the Pest Control programme, liaising with contractors and reviewing site risk assessments
• Oversee and close out customer complaints and nonconformances, supporting preventative and corrective actions
• Complete new staff inductions and update the Staff Induction SOP
• Complete re-orientation briefings for long-term absent staff
• Lead Quality Management Systems review meetings; track actions and circulate minutes
• Lead Operational meetings and Nonconformance working group meetings
• Co-ordinate laundry collection/drop-off; audit laundry provider
• Support training delivery: food safety, GMP refresher, SOPs
• Co-ordinate customer feedback and create staff-facing displays
• Create and manage SEDEX platform links for suppliers and customers; upload evidence and monitor performance
• Advise on manufacture or purchase of new food-contact equipment

Health & Safety - Responsible PersonYou will act as a key point of ownership for Health & Safety responsibilities across the site, ensuring safe systems of work, compliance and continuous improvement.Key areas include:

• Conduct risk assessments (Fire & DSEAR, gestational & returning mothers, workplace, DSE, equipment)
• Ensure compliance with H&S legislation
• Complete and update COSHH assessments and records, including contractor chemicals
• Develop and implement workplace inspections (departments, firefighting equipment, emergency exits, ladders, asbestos plan, fire doors, racking)
• Oversee Legionella prevention for the Cooling Tower, including contractor management and compliance with L8 regulations
• Monitor accident trending
• Ensure PAT testing is completed
• Complete SMETA audit pillar for Health & Safety
• Ensure H&S policies are reviewed, updated and displayed
• Liaise with HSE in the absence of the Duty Holder
• Advise on new equipment

ABOUT YOU

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Persistence and the ability to positively influence others
• Strategic and proactive approach
• Ability to facilitate change
• High attention to detail
• Appreciation of other people's work and roles
• Ability to present viewpoints clearly and professionally

EXPERIENCE/SKILLSMust Haves:

• Background in food science/technology/manufacturing
• Experience of internal auditing (or exposure to it)
• Experience working to standards such as BRCGS and ISO
• Experience/exposure to 2nd & 3rd-party audits
• Effective communication skills

Would Likes:

• Level 4 Food Safety qualification
• Level 4 HACCP (or Level 3 with willingness to progress)
• Experience of supplier approval processes
• Experience of pest control management