Quality Manager – County Cork

Department: Technical & Environment
Reports to: Group Technical Manager
Position: Full-Time | Permanent

The Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead the Quality function within a regulated food manufacturing operation.

As a key member of the site management team, the successful candidate will work closely with Operations to ensure the delivery of production requirements while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have experience within animal slaughter and meat processing operations, supported by a relevant scientific qualification and a strong understanding of food safety systems, regulatory requirements, and quality management. Alongside technical expertise, the successful candidate will demonstrate a collaborative approach to supporting operational performance and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Quality

• Manage and maintain the site's Food Safety & Quality Management System.
• Oversee quality assurance activities within animal slaughter and meat processing operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety legislation, customer standards and regulatory requirements, including liaison with the Department of Agriculture and other regulatory authorities.
• Lead Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) processes and Non-Conforming Product Management.
• Manage raw material quality controls and stock quality systems.
• Monitor adherence to customer specifications and product quality standards.
• Manage customer quality relationships, including complaint investigation and resolution.
• Implement quality control procedures and ensure operational ownership across the business.
• Conduct internal system reviews and support customer and regulatory audits.
• Maintain third-party quality certifications, including BRCGS and Bord Bia PQAS accreditation.
• Lead the site's HACCP programme as HACCP Team Leader.
• Oversee laboratory activities, sanitation and hygiene programmes.
• Support product and process development initiatives.

Operational Support

• Maintain quality, yield and product specification standards.
• Support operational teams to ensure compliance with quality procedures.
• Coordinate and record technical training, inductions and competency programmes.
• Escalate quality issues promptly and support timely resolution.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental and Health & Safety policies.
• Coordinate external technical contractors and service providers.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

People Management

• Lead and develop the site Quality team.
• Support the Site Manager in achieving operational and quality objectives.
• Promote a culture of food safety, quality and continuous improvement throughout the business.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Management or a related scientific discipline.
• Proven experience within animal slaughter and meat processing operations.
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems.
• Experience managing HACCP systems and quality assurance programmes.
• Knowledge of BRCGS, Bord Bia PQAS and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing for and participating in customer and regulatory audits.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to influence and coach others.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality and operational excellence.