Senior QA & Compliance Lead - Fresh Produce

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a QA & Compliance Manager to join a well-established Fresh Produce business based in Kent.

This is a hands‑on technical and compliance role suited to an experienced food safety, QA or technical professional who has a strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety, auditing and regulatory compliance.

Working as part of the Technical team, the successful candidate will take responsibility for supporting and delivering a robust, sustainable programme covering statutory, legal, regulatory, customer and internal compliance requirements.

The role requires someone who can work confidently on their own initiative, identify areas for improvement and ensure that training, auditing and compliance standards are consistently maintained across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and technical compliance.
• Develop, deliver and monitor training programmes to meet legal, customer and business requirements.
• Carry out internal audits and support the business with customer, supplier and third‑party audits.
• Ensure compliance with relevant food safety legislation, industry standards and customer codes of practice.
• Maintain and support HACCP systems and associated food safety procedures.
• Monitor compliance against BRC requirements and own‑label customer standards.
• Identify areas of non‑compliance and work with relevant teams to implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Maintain accurate technical and compliance records and documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and support across the business.
• Work closely with the wider Technical team to promote a strong culture of food safety, quality and compliance.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in a QA, Technical, Food Safety or Compliance role within food manufacturing, fresh produce or a similar food environment.
• Relevant qualification in Food Safety, Food Science, Technical or Compliance to HND level or equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience of auditing and compliance within a food business.
• Good understanding of HACCP principles and their practical application.
• Proven experience delivering food safety, hygiene or compliance training.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the business.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise workload and drive actions through to completion.

Desirable

• Experience within the Fresh Produce / Fruit & Vegetable sector.
• Experience working with major retail or own-label customers.
• Internal auditing qualification or relevant audit experience.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced QA or Technical professional looking to take ownership of quality, food safety and compliance activities within an established Fresh Produce business.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to maintaining and improving technical standards, supporting audit readiness and developing food safety and compliance across the operation.

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