Head of Quality Assurance

Join our Leadership Team at Macphie

Let us introduce ourselves - Macphie, an internationally acclaimed family ingredient manufacturer, proudly situated in the picturesque and tranquil landscapes of Glenbervie in Aberdeenshire with sites in Glasgow and Midlands too. Our expertise spans across a spectrum of delectable delights, including sauces, bakery creations, and heavenly ice cream toppings. We also cater to the evolving culinary landscape with our plant-based and gluten-free offerings. Trusted partners to some of the globe's leading food brands, we are dedicated to transforming ideas and creativity into tangible, delectable solutions.

About the Role - Open to Aberdeen and Glasgow Locations, weekly travel.

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Head of Technical (Quality) to lead our technical, food safety, and compliance functions across the business. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring our operations meet and exceed the highest standards, including BRCGS, B-CORP, SEDEX, and customer-specific requirements.

As Head of Technical, you will lead and inspire the Quality and Technical teams across both production sites, championing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. You’ll play a vital role in shaping our quality and food safety culture, while also contributing to cross-functional projects such as Capital Investments.

This role also carries accountability for departmental budgets and the integrity of our quality, legality, and food safety standards across the entire organisation.

Responsibilities -

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Provide expert strategic direction on all technical, food safety, and legal compliance matters.
• Foster a strong, business-wide quality and food safety culture rooted in a "right first time" approach.
• Own and manage departmental budgets and resource planning to support business objectives.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the Quality and Technical teams across multiple sites.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, setting clear KPIs and ensuring effective monitoring and review.
• Support cross-functional Continuous Improvement projects in collaboration with site General Managers.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Maintain and continuously improve documented systems aligned with standards such as BRCGS, B-CORP, SEDEX, and customer-specific requirements.
• Oversee implementation and auditing of food safety systems (HACCP, TACCP, VACCP).
• Act as the lead contact for customer technical audits, regulatory inspections, and supply chain schemes (e.g. RSPO, Fair Trade, Halal, Kosher).
• Manage non-conformances, customer complaints, and root cause analysis, ensuring timely corrective actions.
• Ensure robust traceability and mass balance through ERP systems.
• Quality Control & Product Integrity
• Take ownership of all quality control and assurance across raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to reduce non-conforming stock and improve product compliance and integrity.
• Oversee procurement of technical equipment and services in line with budget.
• Lead the management and enhancement of the document control system.
• People & Team Management
• Oversee all testing, calibration, and standardisation processes handled by Quality Control teams.
• Lead recruitment, training, and performance management within the department.
• Ensure effective resource planning and task allocation to meet operational targets.
• Facilitate team briefings, training workshops, and departmental meetings to align and motivate staff.
• Reporting & Communication
• Deliver regular reports on departmental KPIs, compliance performance, and improvement initiatives.
• Represent the Quality function in cross-functional meetings and business reviews.
• Handle customer correspondence related to product complaints and manage issue escalation processes.
• Ensure proactive communication of key issues and progress updates across the business.
• Business Support & Development
• Approve critical documentation.
• Respond to customer technical queries and support internal audits and assessments.
• Explore opportunities for system and equipment improvements to enhance efficiency and testing accuracy.
• Champion Macphie’s technical expertise and brand reputation within the wider industry.
• Risk & Crisis Management
• Act as the lead Quality representative in crisis scenarios, including product withdrawals and recalls.
• Maintain business continuity plans and ensure Health & Safety and Data Protection compliance across the function.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science / Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent experience.

Required Skills

• Proven track record in Quality Assurance leadership within the food manufacturing industry.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience managing a similar function, preferably in food manufacturing
• HACCP & Hygiene certification is desirable
• Lead Auditor qualification
• Proven experience and ability to manage people, processes, and technology
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and time management abilities.
• High-level technical competence and understanding of food safety systems.
• Effective communicator with strong presentation and influencing skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking capabilities.
• Collaborative and commercially aware mindset.
• Proficient IT skills and ERP system experience.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and key performance measurement.
• Experience in Thermal Processing of Liquids desirable
• Knowledge /understanding in microbiology desirable
• Knowledge /understanding of food industry codes of practice and BRCGS standards, British Retail Consortium - Global Standard for Food Safety
• Chain of Custody understanding /appreciation

Pay range and compensation package - Salary range of £75-85K plus Benefits of Car Allowance due to nature of frequent weekly travel across sites and clients.

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Equal Opportunity Statement - Macphie is committed to the principles of fairness, consistency and equality.

We believe that everyone has a right to equal access to employment as well as being free of any direct or indirect discrimination and harassment or bullying.

In order to achieve this, Macphie and those engaged in business with us, will treat all people it deals with as individuals, in ways that are fair, consistent and tailored to their needs yet aligned to business needs and objectives.

Macphie is committed to ensuring that barriers are removed that may disproportionately disadvantage those with a protected characteristic to ensure equality of choice, access and share.

We recognise that difference benefits the team and enables us to deliver the best possible solution and service to our clients.

All individuals within Macphie have a duty to act in accordance with this policy and treat all those whom they deal with on a daily basis with dignity at all times, and not to discriminate or harass other individuals, regardless of their status.

At Macphie, we understand that diversity isn't just about representation; it's about harnessing the power of our differences to craft extraordinary culinary experiences that delight and inspire. Through our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, we not only enhance our ability to innovate but also ensure that our products resonate with a global audience, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of cultures and tastes that make up our world.