Quality Systems Manager

Requisition ID: 55686
Position Type: FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement:

About Kerry

Kerry is the world''s leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers'' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

The position is permanent, full-time based in the UK, Tenbury Wells, close to Birmingham (Worcestershire).

You will manage the Quality Systems team and provide technical support to both the Quality and Production teams, ensuring a standardised approach to QMS activities. Leading compliance with Quality and Regulatory policies, Food Safety Programs (HACCP), and product specifications is essential. You''ll promote awareness of these policies and procedures through shop-floor engagement.

Managing relationships with Kerry Central and customers is a key part of the role, as is supporting the Customer Care, Commercial, Purchasing, RD&A, and NPI teams. You''ll maintain and report Quality KPI data to the SLT, organise and lead 2nd and 3rd Party audits, and coordinate follow-up activities for customer visits.

As the HACCP and TACCP/VACCP Team Leader, you''ll also serve as the SME and Super User for Intelex. Investigating and responding to customer complaints promptly and professionally, and applying any learnings to reduce future complaints, will be crucial.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Quality Systems team to ensure engagement and high performance, focusing on problem-solving and teamwork. Define standards for quality assurance processes, operational practices, and product quality. Build trust through effective leadership, people management, and open communication. Recruit and select team members, induct new employees, and build team skills through training and support. Manage performance, identify potential for progression, and ensure succession planning with the Quality Manager. Handle grievance and disciplinary issues with HR support.
• Develop and align systems and procedures with Kerry Group/GQMS, Regulatory, Customer, and 3rd Party Standards. Ensure compliance through audits and shop-floor coaching. Manage documentation to meet all standards.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to improve standards using Root Cause Analysis tools like 5 Whys and 8-Step Problem Solving.
• Build relationships with central functions to introduce new processes and materials smoothly. Ensure necessary documentation for audits is available.
• Lead investigations and resolutions of non-conformances using problem-solving tools. Communicate issues and maintain records. Participate in Crisis Management as needed.
• Manage internal and external audits, including preparation, hosting, and follow-up. Lead mock recalls and traceability challenges. Ensure documentation for product claims is maintained. Liaise with authorities on Quality and Technical issues.
• Maintain proactive relationships with customers and 3rd parties. Ensure communication lines are open and attend customer meetings. Coordinate follow-up activities and complete customer questionnaires. Provide cover for customer requirements as needed.
• Report Quality KPIs, identify performance gaps, and work on improvement strategies with stakeholders.
• Own and standardise site HACCP plans. Lead TACCP/VACCP activities, including challenge testing and site walks. Ensure raw material VACCP documentation is in place.
• Support site and wider projects as requested.
• Undertake additional duties as needed and ensure company equipment is maintained. Note that the job description will evolve over time.

Qualifications and skills

• Diploma or higher in Food Science or proven expertise in a field.
• Proficient in written, numerical, and verbal communication.
• Fluent in English.
• Ability to record, interpret, and analyze data.
• Proficient with MS Office tools.
• Understanding of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of BRC Global Food Standard and customer standards.
• Level 4 HACCP and Level 3 Food Safety qualifications.
• Lead Auditor qualification.
• Ability to identify and plan improvements.
• Professional approach, promoting Kerry Values.
• Team-oriented, sharing learnings and best practices.
• Strong self-discipline and structured approach.
• Flexible and adaptable in a changing environment.
• Effective communicator, facilitating communication channels.
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Able to work cross-functionally and meet deadlines.
• Analytical skills.

In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

Recruiter: #LI-MU1
Posting Type: LI

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kerry terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kerry Hiring Managers.