Job Description

About Us:

Established in 2019, Somerset Cider Solutions is a rapidly growing, people-centric, contract packing and drinks development business. Despite being incorporated for only 6 years, our integrity and professionalism has seen the business gain over 170 customers and produce over 500 different liquids on-site.

We work with everyone from small-scale, local producers to large-scale, international clients, ensuring we deliver the highest standards of quality and consistency in everything we do. As a relatively young, and rapidly growing business, each individual on our team is actively encouraged to identify areas for improvement and implement these changes. You will have the autonomy to develop and shape your role to achieve the objectives of the business as you see fit.

Due to our continued success, we are expanding to take on a Quality Manager.

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive

Quality Manager

to take full ownership of the quality function across our production site. This is a hands-on, and external facing role with strategic oversight, responsible for maintaining and enhancing our quality and food safety systems, leading training initiatives, supporting New Product Development (NPD), and ensuring full compliance with industry standards and customer expectations for everything we do.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage the quality assurance function across the site, ensuring compliance with SALSA, HACCP, and customer specific requirements, including BRC-level client audits. Maintain, improve, and effectively implement site-wide, the quality and food safety systems, policies, and procedures. Prepare for and lead both internal and external audits, including those of our client audits and regulatory inspections. Oversee the HACCP plan, ensuring it is up to date and effectively implemented across all processes. Train and develop staff in food safety, quality practices, and company procedures. Monitor production quality, conduct investigations into non-conformances, and implement corrective/preventive actions. Monitor & report on the success of these measures through KPI reports. Manage documentation, traceability, and control of records in accordance with food safety and quality management systems. Oversee NPD processes from liquid development through to finished product, working with the client to ensure new products meet quality and regulatory standards, and exceed customer expectations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality, hygiene, and safety practices. Day-to-day management of the lab team, with supervisory responsibility of the blending and production teams from a quality perspective. Capital project identification, justification and implementation, where these are related to beverage quality or site sustainability

Requirements:

Proven experience in a quality role within the food or drink manufacturing sector. Strong knowledge of SALSA standards; experience with BRC or equivalent audit schemes is highly desirable. HACCP certified (Level 3 minimum, Level 4 preferred). Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Strong leadership and communication abilities, with experience in training and coaching. Adept at communicating with our clients whether they are a micro or multinational business. Capable of working collaboratively across departments including production, technical, and commercial teams. Familiarity with customer technical requirements and documentation, particularly in own-label or contract manufacturing environments.

Desirable:

Degree or equivalent qualification in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Experience with beverage production. Working knowledge of NPD processes and regulatory compliance for drinks products. Technical knowledge of Flash Pasteurisation and Velcorin

Benefits:

Salary: 36,368-40,914 per year Hours: 37.5 per week Holidays: 33 days per year, increasing gradually to 38 days after 5 years service Flexible Working Arrangements
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 36,638.00-40,914.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person