Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor Weekend

PURPOSE STATEMENT

• To lead and manage the Weekend Quality Technician (QT) team, ensuring consistent delivery of food safety, quality, and GMP standards. 
• To role model high technical capability, support team development, and drive continuous improvement and Food Safety and Quality culture across weekend operations. 
• To support the transition from paper-based to digital quality systems and ensure all weekend quality activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and in line with site and customer requirements.
• To support the Sanitation Manager by assisting with the management of the weekend sanitation team as required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES

• Manage the Weekend QT team — provide direction, allocate tasks, oversee performance, and ensure consistent working practices across the shift.
• Communicate quality issues clearly and promptly, ensuring quarantine logs and investigations are completed accurately to support timely stock decisions.
• Coach and develop QTs to maintain high technical standards and identify individual training needs.
• Champion GMP standards and drive continuous improvement and Food Safety and Quality culture across weekend operations through coaching and leadership.
• Coordinate training plans with the FSQA Manager – Plant to ensure capability and consistency across the team.
• Work with the FSQA Manager – Plant and the Lead QT to streamline documentation processes / reduce paper-based records by gathering feedback and implementing improvements across all shifts.
• Role model technical excellence, ensuring all QTs operate to the same high standard and identifying development needs where required.
• Support the transition to digital systems by reviewing new platforms, collating team feedback, and helping resolve issues.
• Assist with the continued implementation and snag resolution of OAL systems.
• Ensure the QT team take appropriate samples for NPD projects and submit them within required timeframes.
• Work with the Sanitation Manager to coordinate product and swab samples for cleaning validation, ensuring correct booking with third-party laboratories.
• Perform environmental swabbing and interpret results in line with the verification schedule.
• Conduct allergen verification and validation using rapid testing methods.
• Ensure microbiological, chemical, and organoleptic shelf-life testing is completed according to schedule and customer standards.
• Fulfil customer requests for live product samples.
• Conduct CCP verification and assist the SME of Metal Detectors and X-ray in training new production associates in CCP monitoring.
• Perform inspections of food safety equipment (sieves, magnets, silo systems).
• Conduct post-cleaning inspections and swabbing to verify hygienic standards.
• Ensure all quality and food safety monitoring equipment is calibrated and records maintained.
• Immediately report any product or process found to be out of specification.
• Conduct internal audits (GMP, glass register, locker inspections).
• Support customer and GFSI audits and be main technical cover for audit or crisis management cover over the weekend.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conformances and complaints.
• Manage raw material and packaging concession requests.
• Contribute to troubleshooting and problem-solving within the factory.
• Provide absence cover within the technical department to ensure business continuity.

You must always comply with Rich Products Health and Safety policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Critical
• Appreciation of BRCGS, AIB, and customer standards
• HACCP Level 2/3
• Internal audit trained
• Knowledge of food safety & quality verification programmes
• Understanding of UK & EU allergen requirements
• Level 3 Food Safety
• Appreciation of bakery operations / food manufacturing
• EMP knowledge
• QMS knowledge
• Complaint handling experience

Desirable
• ILM Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in food manufacturing environment
• Degree level education
• FSQMS experience
• Experience in internal auditing