Quality Manager

Our client, one of the worlds largest distributors of ingredients and a provider of integrated solutions such as nutrient premixes and particle management services is seeking a Quality Manager for their London office. The role will be responsible for the Regulatory and Quality team and will report directly in to the Director of Operations. Working with other members of the management team to define and implement the regulatory strategy for the UK, EU and other territories. Ensuring compliance and safe guarding their business to support the growth. As part of the role, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, monitoring and improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) and Food Safety Management System (FSMS) for related entities. This role is critical to delivering compliance to the certification scheme, Regulatory Standards and Customers expectations.

Regulatory Affairs:

• Define the Regulatory Strategy for the company and it Entities.
• Provide Leadership and guidance to the business on regulatory matters for food, feed and personal care activities in the EU, UK and Non-European markets where the company operate.
• Keeping up to date with regulatory developments and updating the Regulatory Strategy accordingly
• Leading discussions and communication with Notified Bodies, competent authorities and consultants on all regulatory matters and participate with company compliance initiatives.
• Engaging with and Supporting the Commercial/Product Management & Marketing functions in planning and review of regulatory documentation
• Assistance in writing key reports and undertaking gap analysis to identify risks, opportunities and missing documentation
• The role will cover a wide range of topics including Allergens, REACH, Novel Foods, Packaging Food Contact Materials, Food Law and Labelling, Feed Law and Labelling Residues and Contaminants, Natural and Botanical Ingredients etc.
• Manage the Regulatory Department:
• Determining objectives and training needs for the Regulatory department employees

Quality:

• Ensure that HACCP/TACCP/VACCP plans are established and maintained through the appropriate teams and processes
• 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. Sign off processors and warehouse approvals.
• Provide team leadership and advice on escalated core matters such as non-conformances, queries, KAM issues, questionnaires etc.
• Provide support and advice in relation to recalls, crisis and other non-standard events for the site
• Manage the Quality Department:
• Determining objectives and training needs for the Quality department employees
• Identify resources needs & structure changes in the team to support the execution of the QMS and FSMS
• Managing the Quality Inbox and task allocation within the team
• Conduct regular update meetings such as bi-weekly quality meetings
• Plan the training and induction of new team members
• Active leader in CI programs:
• Issue monthly summaries of quality KPI’s and issues.
• Measure performance against in-house and external standards - promote internal audit program
• Keeps management team (OMT/SLT/compliance committee) aware and updated on significant issues or developments identified during quality assurance activities (including audits) and actions being taken to improve the situation.
• Participate to OMT meetings
• Support Management review process for the distribution business

Must have a BDc or MSc in a Science background, preferably Food Science and have a minimum of 5 - 10 years Quality related experience. Excellent Line Management skills and have in-depth knowledge of Regulatory Affairs/Quality within Food or Feed. A self-motivated individual is required and be able to adapt to changes in circumstances and difficult situations. You will be analytical with strong administration skills on Microsoft Office Packages. This is a hybrid role with excellent benefits.