Our client a large and international food Distributor is seeking a Quality & Food Safety Manager for their office in Kent. Reporting to the General manager, the Quality & Food Safety Manager is responsible for Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Improvement of the Quality Management System and Food Safety Management System for the Company. The role is critical to delivery compliance to the Company Certification scheme, regulatory standards and customers expectations. A core part of the role is the Management of the Quality team, defining structure, recruitment and training strategy, as well as ensuring continuity and development of the team. The Key Duties:

• Manage site QMS and FSMS
• Manage and oversee the running of the Quality Department
• Lead and manage HACCP/TACCP/VACCP for the site
• Coordinate and lead customer and certification audits for the site
• Review existing policies and planning how to improve QMS and FSMS
• Make sure that policies and procedures meet national and international quality standards
• Ensure that all suppliers meet the quality & safety requirements of the company
• Responsible for managing and reporting Quality KPI’s
• Measure performance against in-house and external standards - promote internal audit program
• Lead Management reviews for the site
• Promote corrective and preventative measures towards continuous improvement for the site
• Gatekeeper for change management processes
• Applies statistical process control (SPC) methods for analyzing data to evaluate the current process and process changes.

The successful candidate will have a BSc or MSc in a Science background, preferably Food Science based. 4 + years experience in the Food industry within a Quality/Technical role. Have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Have the ability to lead, develop and motivate a team and have advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge. Must also have experience of at least 2 years managing staff. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of an established company with excellent culture and a great reputation.

DCR 5843