QA Lead- Tattenhall, Cheshire
QA Lead
Job description
About the Company:
Since 1989 Beechdean Dairies Ltd have been producing high quality Ice Cream for the retail and Out of Home market. It has grown into one of the UK leading Ice Cream manufacturers.
Our purpose is to be a serious challenger in the world of ice cream and use our voice to shout about the things that matter to us, and our promise is to bring attitude without apology and indulgence without compromise. It’s people that makes us a quality producer making quality products.
Job Purpose:
Reporting into the Head of Technical, the Quality Lead will manage the Quality Assurance team within an ice cream manufacturing site, ensuring all products meet food safety, legality, and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
· Ensure compliance with food safety standards is adhered to in the factory including BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard, HACCP, and internal requirements.
· Lead, manage, and develop the QA team, including QA Supervisors and Technicians, through clear standards, coaching, and performance management.
· Maintain continuous audit readiness, ensuring high GMP and hygiene standards across all production areas.
· Drive a strong food safety and quality culture on the factory floor, working closely with Production to improve Right First Time (RFT) and product consistency.
· Manage environmental monitoring programmes and microbiological product testing programmes for the site. Investigating failures and implementing corrective actions.
· Own and manage the customer complaints system, ensuring timely root cause analysis and preventative measures.
· Deputise for the Head of Technical for all external audits and certifications, including BRCGS audits.
· Analyse QA data and trends, managing key technical KPIs (microbiological results, complaints, internal non-conformances, audit outcomes) and driving continuous improvement.
· Manage the internal audit schedule and coordinate NCR database, ensuring audits are planned, tracked, and closed out in a timely manner.
· Act as the site liaison for the pest control contractor, ensuring service visits are scheduled as required and that any actions or recommendations are followed up and closed effectively.
Skills & Experience
· Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a QA/Technical role within the food industry, preferably in dairy or ice cream manufacturing.
· Strong working knowledge of HACCP and BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard.
· Experience managing or mentoring QA teams in a factory environment.
· Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
· Proficient in quality systems, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.
· Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production-led environment.
Why work for Beechdean?
As an employee of Beechdean you will be entitled to the following:
· There are varied opportunities for career progression for those who are eager to learn!
· A supportive and friendly working environment in which culture is at the heart of what we do.
· Family run company with a long history of sustainable success and developing people inhouse
· We provide a long service reward to show our appreciation to loyalty at Beechdean and a birthday bonus which is paid in the payroll of your birthday month. This also increases every year you work for us!
· A ‘refer a friend’ programme to ensure we are recruiting the best people we can to help drive our business forward.
· Free, onsite parking located in the picturesque village of Tattenhall, Cheshire.
To apply please email your CV to HRBDN@Beechdean.co.uk