Job Description Your New Job Our client, a leading food manufacturing company, is seeking a Site Quality Lead to join their team at Site 2 Cork Operations (Mitchelstown).
This is a key leadership role within the site management team, working closely with operations to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality products and to uphold compliance with all food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
The Cavan site specialises in the production of cooked and canned food products, operating under two high-risk processes that require robust controls and rigorous food safety systems.
This position provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced quality professional with a strong understanding of high-risk food manufacturing, continuous improvement, and leadership in a regulated production environment.
Key Duties & Responsibilities Food Safety & Quality Management Lead and manage the Food Safety & Quality Management System (FSQMS) for the Cavan site.
Oversee high-risk production processes and canning operations, ensuring strict adherence to food safety standards.
Ensure full compliance with all regulatory and legislative requirements, liaising with Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) officials and external auditors.
Act as Management Representative for Bord Bia PQAS and maintain BRC accreditation through continuous compliance and audit readiness.
Lead HACCP implementation and maintenance as HACCP Team Leader.
Manage laboratory operations, including product testing, microbiological analysis, and interpretation of results.
Oversee sanitation and cleaning programs to maintain hygiene standards and regulatory compliance.
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement Manage Corrective & Preventative Actions (CAPA) and all non-conforming product investigations.
Monitor raw material and stock controls, ensuring traceability and quality compliance.
Measure and report adherence to customer specifications and internal quality KPIs.
Lead customer complaint investigations, ensuring timely root-cause analysis and resolution.
Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Management) to enhance process efficiency and quality performance.
Conduct internal audits and self-assessments, and support customer and third-party audits.
Operational Leadership Work closely with the Site Manager, Operations, and Group Technical teams to deliver production goals aligned with quality and safety standards.
Manage a small technical and quality team, providing direction, support, and development opportunities.
Coordinate with Maintenance, Sales, Admin, HRBP, H&S, and LEAN teams to maintain seamless operations.
Support product and process development, ensuring new products meet all quality and safety requirements.
People & Compliance Management Oversee staff training and development, including induction, refresher training, and record keeping.
Manage attendance, timekeeping, and performance reviews in conjunction with HR.
Address grievance and disciplinary issues in line with company policy.
Administer annual leave and manage probationary reviews for new employees.
Promote a culture of health, safety, and environmental awareness, ensuring compliance with the Company Environmental Policy.
What Are We Looking For? Degree-qualified in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
Proven experience in high-risk food manufacturing, ideally including canning or thermal processing.
Strong knowledge of BRCGS, Bord Bia PQAS, HACCP, and food safety legislation.
Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to influence across functions.
Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving abilities.
Experience in managing audits and liaising with regulatory bodies (e.g., DAFM, EPA).
Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
Hands-on, proactive approach with an interest in operations and supporting business performance.
Whats On Offer Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.
Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a high-performing food manufacturing site.
Career progression within a growing group structure.
Exposure to cross-functional collaboration within the Group Technical and Operations teams.
Training and development opportunities to support professional growth.
A culture that values excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Key Relationships Site Manager / Operations Manager Group Technical Manager Maintenance & Engineering Teams Sales and Admin Staff HR Business Partner & H&S Officer LEAN / Continuous Improvement Team Department of Agriculture, EPA, and External Auditors Contractors and Technical Suppliers Apply for this job now by emailing your WORD formatted CV or contact Jonathan via mobile on By applying, you are giving consent for Matrix Recruitment to contact you about this job.
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