Quality Manager

Job Title: Quality Manager - Fresh Produce Industry

Location: Hayes, West London

Salary: £50k-£55k + bonus

Working hours: Mon-Fri, 08:00AM-17:00PM

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

About the Company:

Our client is a leading supplier in the fresh produce industry, specialising in exotic fruit and speciality vegetables. With a rich heritage in subtropical produce from around the world, they are also key producers of home-grown seasonal vegetables and herbs. Known for a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement, the company works closely with global partners to ensure a smooth and consistent supply of top-quality produce all year round. With a focus on people and the environment, company empower local farmers, champion climate-conscious solutions, and foster thriving grower communities.

About the Role:

As the Quality Manager, you will lead depots Quality function to ensure total product quality and food safety across the supply chain. You'll oversee the continual development and auditing of the Total Quality Management System (TQMS), driving improvements in product quality, safety, and operational resilience. Working within a Technical Excellence management approach, you'll foster a collaborative culture, driving best practices, quality assurance, and consumer focus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage quality operations to ensure seamless performance at the depot.
• Oversee all regulatory and customer audits (both announced and unannounced), ensuring compliance with standards.
• Develop, administer, and audit the Total Quality Management System (TQMS).
• Provide leadership to drive continuous product quality improvements and monitor team performance.
• Manage strong customer and supplier relationships, resolving quality issues promptly.
• Ensure all team members are adequately trained to meet safety, legal, and customer requirements.
• Act as HACCP Team Leader, ensuring all HACCP and risk assessments are in place for all products and processes.
• Manage raw material intake quality assessment, yield optimization, and raw material allocation.
• Lead NPD process, ensuring strict adherence to processes and reporting on trials, launches, and recipe modifications.
• Continuously monitor product evaluations and provide solutions for product yield and quality enhancement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and authorities.

About You:

• Passionate and knowledgeable about technical excellence and quality within fresh food industry.
• In-depth understanding of food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and common customer standards.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a fresh produce, food, or horticultural production environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Proven track record in building high-performing teams and leading continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in Food Science, Horticulture, or Agricultural-based discipline (or equivalent).
• HACCP Level 4, Level 4 Food Safety Supervision for Manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with BRC or GFSI-based certifications.
• Experience managing internal and third-party audits, as well as food safety programs.
• Strong project management skills, with attention to detail and data analysis.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be flexible for routine travel to other UK sites and overseas farming operations.
• A full, clean UK driving license is essential.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Must adhere to company health and safety procedures and maintain hygiene and medical requirements.

Apply Now

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative team within a leading fresh produce business. By joining, you'll be contributing to a company that values excellence, sustainability, and the well-being of both its people and the environment. If youre passionate about quality and sustainability, this is the perfect place for you to grow and thrive.