Job Description

Join Plamil Foods Ltd as our next Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager - a pivotal leadership role .

As part of our succession planning strategy, we're seeking a forward-thinking professional to lead our Quality and Regulatory functions while being mentored by experienced colleagues. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact role where your expertise will shape compliance, food safety, and continuous improvement across the business.

- Plamil Foods Ltd

Title

: Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager

Reports to:

Directors.

Based at:

Folkestone, Kent, CT19 6PQ.

Job purpose

:

The roles' primary focus is to ensure that we meet customer, external accreditation and legislative requirements both for Quality/Food safety and Regulatory, so Plamil Foods Ltd is both legally compliant and adhering to external accrediting & compliance bodies standards to keep our present certifications, or to gain new accreditations.

There is also a requirement to be part of a solution focused senior leadership team to be driving the business forwards.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

1. Ensure the BRCGS accreditation is maintained and developed as per the needs of the business. Including the ability to be audit ready at all times.

Including but not exclusively

Ensure the food safety plan (HACCP) is effectively managed and maintained in collaboration with the designated HACCP team members.

Accurately and effectively maintain all aspects of the QMS and continually improve to increase standards for the business.

Ensure the ongoing maintenance of TACCP and VACCP systems in collaboration with designated team members.

Undertake crisis management, traceability, re-calls within the allotted timeframe as and when required to ensure systems are effective.

Undertake approval processes for existing and new suppliers for raw ingredients, packaging, equipment etc and risk assess on a Food safety/Quality/Sustainability perspective. Produce company product specifications.

Ensure the QA portion of staff/contractors induction programme is undertaken as required. In addition, develop, co-ordinate and deliver Quality training and toolbox talks as and when necessary.

Ensure all QMS documents are maintained accurately and effectively with any changes/updates required and ensure they are disseminated to all relevant departments/staff as required.

Ensure daily/weekly/monthly QA duties including but not limited to hygiene/workwear/building & perimeter audits, preventative maintenance, equipment calibration and temperature checks, internal audits against the standard, finished and raw ingredient testing etc are completed accurately and effectively.

to ensure any complaint is dealt with and monitored in an effective manner and to the company's expectations, liaising with other depts and look at root causes to minimise recurrence of any issue.

Work with other departments to ensure all levels of staff are trained/educated/advised on Quality requirements.

In conjunction with

2. Effectively managing staff within department to ensure all company training, policies, procedures, conduct and expectations are met.

3. Ensure department is proactive within production, working with managers to ensure all aspects are considered within NPD, changes in products, processes & work changes from a Food safety and Quality perspective.

4. Lead and support other managers to ensure continuous improvement, cost control and waste reduction during every operational task.

5. Measurement and analysis of food safety culture.

6. Horizon scanning for any food safety issues.

7. Ensure departmental responsibility of environmental cleaning and staff.

8. Set up and drive forward a Quality committee to enable staff input and communication to support the business needs.

9. Proactively ensure a thorough understanding of all current and emerging regulatory requirements applicable to the company and consistently maintain full compliance.

10. Producing and ensuring any labelling is compliant from both regulatory and external accreditation purposes.

11. Manage, organise, and update relevant data using relevant internal and external applications (eg: NGO portals -Rainforest Alliance, EUDR. Compliance schemes - Wastepack) for the company, legislative and customer needs.

12. Undertake annual/periodic returns as required for third party accreditation or compliance.

13. Educate staff at all levels on regulations/legislation required of the company.

14. Liaise with external bodies as required.

15. Input into projects that require regulatory functions to ensure deadlines are met.

16. Horizon scan for any new legislation coming into place that would be relevant to the company, ensuring the directors are made aware and sourcing of information to ensure any implementation dates are met.

17. Write and implement new systems to minimise workload of collecting and collating data for regulatory requirements.

18. Advise employees, managers and Directors of their roles and requirements to ensure the company upkeeps the certifications and regulatory requirements.

19. Seek and maintain knowledge of regulatory requirements or changes and how they affect the company.

20. Monitor and review the effectiveness of relevant policies and procedures.

21. Write, implement policies and procedures surrounding regulatory functions and obligations and advise where necessary.

22. Continual improve to drive the business forward in a regulatory remit.

23. Keeping effective documentation for records and due diligence.

24. Be an ambassador for the Directors in regard to Quality and Regulatory and gain buy in from all other levels of staff.

25. Ensure Directors are aware and offer advice and solutions on how to comply with any quality or regulatory matter.

26. Point of contact and the lead in relevant external audits to the role.

27. Actively contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, demonstrating a broad business perspective and championing a culture of strategic thinking and accountability across the organisation.

28. Liaise with all departments as necessary and attend meetings with other company functions necessary to perform duties and aid business and organisational development.

29. Be instrumental in shaping, sustaining and measuring workplace culture that values safety, respect, and continuous improvement.

30. Ability to develop and implement effective policies, procedures, and training that accurately reflect and reinforce our operational practices.

31. Monitor performance (in relevant areas) according to agreed standards and targets, take necessary action to communicate/advise/assist according to performance levels.

32. Research and investigate information to enable an accurate and informed evaluation and conclusion is formed.

33. Make suggestions for changes and improvements and how to implement them.

34. Adhere to all company procedures as a designated keyholder.

35. Adhere to company stated policies and procedures relating to job role, Health & Safety and general conduct around site. Leading by example at all times.

36. Attend required training and to develop relevant knowledge and skills.

37. Pro-actively seek information and training to widen knowledge and skill base within this role.

38. Willingness and ability to travel to locations as required for audits, fact-finding, or other legitimate business needs related to the role.

39. Assess and recommend AI tools to enhance departmental efficiency and resources, and implement those that are approved, ensuring their consistent application.

Person profile -

Personality:

Maintains a positive, solutions-focused mindset, reinforcing optimism

Shows tenacity and resilience, driving progress even in challenging circumstances.

Takes pride in delivering high-quality outcomes, striving to all staff to get things right the first time.

Is self-motivated and results-oriented, with a confident yet approachable leadership style.

Demonstrates professionalism and credibility in interactions across all levels of the organisation.

Leads by example, modelling the behaviours and standards expected across the business.

Owns their role and department with accountability and pride, fostering a culture of responsibility.

Is a natural forward planner, regularly evaluating performance and seeking continuous improvement.

Comfortably engages across all levels, from mentoring staff to presenting at board level.

Advises, supports, and challenges others constructively, promoting growth and alignment.

Understands the unique dynamics and demands of an SME, including agility, resourcefulness, and cross-functional collaboration.

Operates with a business-wide perspective, making decisions that protect and advance the organisation.

Champions cultural development, actively shaping a workplace that values safety, inclusion, and shared purpose.

Demonstrates integrity and honesty in all actions and decisions.

Specific Job Skills:

Thorough knowledge of up to date BRCGS global food standard.

Food Manufacturing experience within a QA Manager, Quality Systems Manager, Technical Manager or Technical Services Manager role overseeing assistants.

In depth knowledge of HACCP/TACCP and VACCP principles.

IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification

Experience in low care site environments is essential due to the nature of the role. High care site experience would be beneficial.

Strong management, coaching, mentoring & developing skills, leading other to be their very best.

Good Manufacturing Practice Training & implementation.

At least a level 3 Food hygiene certificate

Auditor Training

Lead auditor training.

Manager Coaching

Computer skills:

Must be adept in use of MS 365 or later, particularly Excel and Word, Internet and email.

Literacy and Numeracy:

Is able to:

Able to communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken, to fulfil safety, regulatory, and operational requirements of the role.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Folkestone CT19 6PQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:

BRCGS management: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Level 3 or above Food Hygiene Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person