Quality Manager (Maternity Leave) - County Cork Reports to: Site Manager and Group Technical Manager We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join our site management team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract of up to 12 months.
This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring that all operations at the facility meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
The successful candidate will have experience working in a high-risk food manufacturing or processing environment, strong technical and operational understanding, and the ability to lead and develop quality systems in line with industry and customer standards.
Key Responsibilities * Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality Management System.
* Manage high-risk food production processes, ensuring full compliance with all relevant food safety legislation and certification requirements.
* Liaise with regulatory and certification bodies to maintain site approvals and standards.
* Lead and manage HACCP systems, hygiene programs, and food safety audits.
* Drive Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) processes and manage non-conformance investigations.
* Monitor and measure adherence to customer specifications and internal standards.
* Manage product testing, laboratory activities, sanitation, and cleaning programs.
* Maintain compliance with BRC, Bord Bia, and other third-party accreditations.
* Support product and process development initiatives, ensuring quality is maintained at every stage.
* Provide leadership and training to the quality team and production staff on quality and safety standards.
* Oversee raw material and stock controls to ensure product integrity.
* Manage customer audits, supplier reviews, and complaint resolution.
* Contribute to continuous improvement and Lean initiatives across the site.
* Ensure full compliance with environmental and health & safety policies.
* Support the Site Manager with staff management, including training, performance reviews, and attendance management.
Key Relationships * Site Operations and Production Teams * Maintenance and Engineering * Group Technical and Quality Teams * Sales and Customer Support * Continuous Improvement (Lean) Team * HR and Health & Safety Departments * Regulatory Authorities and External Auditors * Contractors and Service Providers Requirements * Degree in Food Science, Quality Management, or a related scientific discipline.
* Minimum of 35 years experience in a Quality Management or Technical role within the food manufacturing or processing industry.
* Strong understanding of HACCP, BRC, and food safety legislation.
* Experience managing audits and working with external certification or inspection bodies.
* Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
* Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Proven ability to work collaboratively Skills: Quality manager meat processing slaughter production