Quality Control Manager

Role Purpose

This role has been reshaped as part of a wider restructure of the Quality department, which is splitting into three clearly focused areas: Quality Assurance, Quality Control (testing), and Regulatory, so everyone has a clear picture of what they're responsible for.

The QC Manager takes ownership of all product testing activity on site including raw material, in-process, and finished product and looks after the QC lab, its equipment, and its people. This gives the business a single, focused point of ownership for the technical testing and release side of quality, separate from the QA documentation and compliance work.

The QC Manager works closely with Production to make sure testing supports the flow of product without compromising standards, and with the QA Manager on any non-conformances arising from test results.

Key Responsibilities

Testing & Product Release

Oversee raw material, in-process, and finished product testing against specification.

Own the product release process, making sure only conforming product is released to customers.

Hold the authority to place and lift product holds based on test results.

Investigate and manage out-of-specification results, including holds and retests.

Lab Management

Manage the QC laboratory, including equipment calibration, maintenance, and method verification.

Develop and maintain QC testing procedures and methods, keeping them in line with current best practice and equipment capability.

Make sure testing methods stay fit for purpose and up to date.

Own the lab consumables, reagents, and calibration budget, and manage external calibration contractors.

Own the retained/reference sample programme and stability monitoring across product shelf life.

Keep testing records accurate and maintain data trending.

Environmental Monitoring

Own the site's environmental monitoring programme, including production area swabbing schedules and execution.

Review swab/environmental results, spot trends, and escalate adverse findings for corrective action. Team Management

Lead, coach, and develop QC technicians/analysts, including rota and workload planning.

Set clear standards for accuracy, turnaround time, and record-keeping within the lab.

Cross-Functional Working

Work closely with Production and the Chargehands to make sure testing turnaround supports production flow.

Escalate quality issues arising from testing to the QA Manager for non-conformance handling.

Support new product development with testing and method input as required.

Key Competencies

Technically rigorous, with a strong eye for detail and accuracy. • Calm and methodical under pressure, particularly around release decisions.

Clear communicator, able to explain testing outcomes to non-technical colleagues.

Organised, with strong lab and people management discipline.

Technical Skills

Strong background in flavour, food, or chemical testing methods and lab equipment.

Understanding of specification setting and statistical/data trending.

Confident with Microsoft Office and lab data systems.

Qualifications & Experience

Proven experience in a QC/testing role within food, flavour, or chemical manufacturing.

Experience managing a laboratory and leading a small technical team.

Relevant scientific qualification (e.g. Chemistry, Food Science) or equivalent experience.

Along with our client, we are committed to a diverse workforce and as such recruit from a wide available pool of talent, with the hiring, assessment and selection process being fair, free from bias and one which ensures the right person is selected for the job, based on merit. We treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness and respect, regardless of their age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or family circumstances.

A copy of our D&I policy can be made available upon request.