QA Team Leader

Location: Buckingham

Shift: Monday to Friday, (core hours are 08:30 – 17:00)

Salary: Competitive range of £40,000 to £45,000 based on experience

Join the Magic

Our Mission

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.

We have more than 10,000 employees in over 70 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.1 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

To build our team we are looking for a QA Team Leader to join our team reporting directly to the Quality Manager.  

Your Mission

As QA Team Leader, you will lead a team of 3 and assist in the compliance of product safety, quality legality and authenticity in the production of Puratos products at Buckingham site. Ensuring compliance with site, UK, and Group policies. This role will focus on working with Production to ensure Quality procedures, CCP's and Good Manufacturing Practices are adhered to. Supporting the wider UK Technical team is an essential part of this role – engagement with other functions will be required as necessary - these include and are not limited to R&D, Operations, Engineering, Commercial and Finance.

What you will do

• Provide first line leadership to the QA Technicians across the site, working side by side with them within the factory to drive factory standards
• Ensure the on-site compliance of all food safety and regulatory initiatives including HACCP, Organic Accreditation, Halal Accreditation, Pest Control and Sanitation in line with site, UK and Group standards and regulatory compliance
• Lead the internal audit framework, such as GMP, Hygiene, Glass & Plastic, conduct regular audits as per schedule and ensure the closure of any non-conformances
• Conduct general QA duties including but not limited to, production packing checks, label checking and reconciliation, blast and chiller temperature checks, micro sample recording and data trending
• Maintain all equipment within the Quality laboratory, ensuring up to date calibration, maintenance and a stocked supply of consumables
• Collaborate with all departments on food safety and quality matters, promoting the Site Quality Culture
• Monitor product quality to ensure it meets required parameters from intake through to customer delivery, including efficient & accurate data entry and reporting
• Assist in the site preparation and execution of customer and third-party audits as appropriate with the Quality Manager
• Support the Quality Manager in the collating site customer complaints and CAPA (Corrective Actions and Preventative Actions) processes using RCFA (Root Cause Failure Analysis) to continuously improve our products and our processes. Recording and managing complaints through the CRM system
• Maintain procedures and records within the quality management system and complete quality training requirements for site team members, as required.
• Continuously improve and drive the site’s quality performance
• Monitor and report all supplier non-conformances

What we expect from you

We’re looking for someone who displays:

• Commitment - To the environmental challenge, particularly with respect to resources.
• Curiosity – Constantly searching for new information and novel ways to use established wisdom.
• Humility – Sharing knowledge and experience freely to enrich others.
• Mindful disruption – Not held back by convention.
• Resilience – Trying, learning and trying again, whether we succeed or fail.
• Rigour & discipline – Use method and process to shape and answer questions.
• Customer centricity – Building relationships with customers by understanding and listening to their needs throughout the journey to purchase and after

The successful candidate will:

• Have HACCP and Food Safety Level 3
• Internal auditing skills – will be part of internal auditing team
• Experience (years & type of experience):
  • 3+ years of Quality management in the food industry
  • Supervision/Management of a team
• Experience of BRC and other GFSI certification
• Experience and knowledge of the following RA, Fairtrade, Halal, Kosher and SEDEX
• Experience of working with allergens and allergen management control
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite tools including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and in SAP transactions.
• Other expertise:
  • Strong written & verbal communication skills
  • Strong mathematics skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with the site teams
  • Strong analytic and problem-solving skills
  • Strong organisational, planning and influencing skills

What you can expect from Puratos

We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respectful work environment by putting people first.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.

The benefits of this role include.

• Competitive Salary – a competitive salary of £40,000 to £45,000 based on experience, reviewed annually
• Annual Bonus Scheme – 5% standard, with stretch potential up to 10%.
• Generous Pension Plan – Up to 7.5% employer contributions to support your future.
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover fully paid, with options to add family members.
• Up to 5 Weeks Annual Leave – Plus the flexibility to buy or sell additional days.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay – Because your health matters.
• Learning & Development – Structured programs with a target of 5 learning days per year.
• Wellbeing Matters – Access to our ‘Calling for Caring’ wellbeing initiatives.
• Life Assurance – 2x your salary plus a 20% spouse pension.
• Income Protection – Financial support when you need it most.
• Loyal Service Awards – Celebrating your milestones with us.
• Employee Assistance Program – Confidential support for life’s challenges.
• Refer a Friend Scheme – Earn £500 for successful referrals.
• High Street Discounts – Save with Perkbox perks.
• Monthly ‘Magic Star’ Awards – Win £50 in vouchers for going above and beyond.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay healthy

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about helping others grow and want to be part of something magical, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us shape the future at Puratos.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.