QA Team Leader

Ilminster | £34,000 per annum | Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm | Full-Time | Permanent

Acorn by Synergie is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established food manufacturing business looking for an experienced and motivated QA Team Leader to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a quality-focused professional looking to take the next step in their career and play a key role in maintaining and improving quality standards across a busy manufacturing site.

Reporting to the Operational QA Manager, you will lead the day-to-day Quality Assurance function, supporting the QA team and working closely with Production to ensure products consistently meet customer specifications, legal requirements and internal quality standards.

• £34,000 per annum.

• Company bonus scheme.

• Enhanced pension contributions.

• Life Assurance and Critical Illness Cover.

• Onsite parking.

• Employee discounts platform.

• Long service celebrations.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Free fruit and potatoes.

• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.

• Flu vaccinations.

• Refer a friend scheme.

• Lead and coordinate all day-to-day Quality Assurance functions across the site.

• Ensure packed products meet customer specifications and required quality standards.

• Work closely with Production Management to maximise efficiency without compromising product quality.

• Identify and manage out-of-specification products, taking appropriate corrective action with Production.

• Carry out QA activities across Intake, Output and Tickets.

• Monitor shelf-life deterioration and ensure quality issues are reported promptly.

• Conduct additional quality assessments, including dry matter and hot box testing, where required.

• Support the preparation and successful completion of internal and external audits.

• Manage the site's GMP audit system and participate as a member of the internal auditing team.

• Arrange and secure samples for microbiological, chemical and nutritional analysis using the appropriate laboratory systems.

• Assist with the collection and reporting of weekly QA KPI information.

• Support the Operational QA Manager with the day-to-day running of the department.

• Deputise for the Operational QA Manager when required, including managing team performance, sickness and holiday cover.

• Support the implementation of LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives across the department and wider business.

• Help identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve line performance and enhance OEE.

• Ensure products are correctly labelled and comply with customer specifications and legal requirements.

• Ensure employees follow relevant procedures, work instructions, company policies and Health & Safety requirements.

• Assist with risk assessments and site improvement initiatives.

• Provide coaching, training and support to QA and production employees.

• Assist with regular team briefings covering quality, performance, training, Health & Safety and business updates.

• Coordinate staff holiday requests and support return-to-work processes.

• Contribute to staff appraisals and employee development.

We are looking for someone who is confident in their QA knowledge and enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• A positive, proactive approach to problem solving.

• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.

• A strong 'can-do' attitude with the confidence to use initiative.

• The ability to anticipate issues and take appropriate action.

• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high quality standards.

• Integrity, diplomacy and impartiality.

• A genuine passion for continuous improvement and LEAN principles.

• The ability to work effectively with both Quality and Production teams.

• A strong understanding of the importance of Health & Safety, with safety always taking precedence.

If you're an experienced QA Team Leader, Quality Assurance Team Leader, Quality Team Leader or QA Supervisor looking for a permanent opportunity within food manufacturing in Ilminster, apply online today with your up-to-date CV.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.