Job Description
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.
What's 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
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