Full job descriptionLead Quality Assurance
Near Bodmin, Cornwall

Up to £36,000
Overview
A growing food manufacturing business is looking for a Lead QA to join its technical team. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for maintaining high food safety and quality standards, while supporting and developing a team of QA professionals.
You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and audit standards, whilst driving continuous improvement across the site.
Key Responsibilities
*Lead, mentor, and develop a team of QA Auditors and Technicians
*Ensure consistent QA coverage across factory operations
*Maintain and improve site quality systems in line with customer and BRC standards
*Oversee hygiene, GMP, and GHP audits to ensure compliance with schedules
*Manage environmental swabbing and testing programmes
*Ensure effective allergen control procedures are followed and validated
*Drive high standards of product quality, ensuring all finished goods meet specification
*Lead taste panel processes and ensure robust follow-up of any issues
*Investigate and resolve customer complaints, micro issues, and non-conformances
*Support and participate in customer audits, visits, and technical reviews
*Collaborate with NPD and technical teams during trials, launches, and product development
*Ensure strong factory presence, proactively identifying and preventing quality issues
*Support broader technical functions when required (e.g. product release, customer care)
*Drive a culture of continuous improvement across quality and production
Key Measures of Success
*Timely and effective resolution of non-conformances
*Completion of internal audits and testing programmes to schedule
*High standards of GMP, hygiene, and factory compliance
*Accurate and timely documentation for internal and customer use
*Improvements in product quality and reduction in quality issues
Candidate Requirements
*Proven experience in a QA / Senior QA / Lead QA role within food manufacturing
*Strong knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, BRC)
*Experience leading or mentoring teams
*Degree in Food Science (or equivalent) preferred
*Intermediate HACCP (minimum)
*Advanced Food Hygiene certification
*Strong problem-solving and organisational skills
*Confident communicator, able to influence across departments
Personal Attributes
*Proactive leader who leads by example on the factory floor
*High attention to detail and commitment to quality
*Ability to manage workload and prioritise effectively
*Strong team player with a hands-on approach
*Continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to challenge and improve processes