Quality Manager, Reading Plant

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

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PURPOSE:

The Quality Manager is responsible for administering the plant’s Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Management System, ensuring compliance with company, customer, and regulatory standards. This role oversees FSQ staff, manages audits and certifications, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and serves as a key liaison between plant operations and leadership.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DELIVERABLES:

• Lead the implementation and maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality Management System in alignment with business needs and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise FSQ staff, including scheduling, training, coaching, payroll, and performance management.
• Manage monthly Food Safety & Sanitation audits, preoperative sanitation inspections, glass audits, and allergen management program, ensuring timely follow-up and corrective actions.
• Investigate consumer complaints and internal deviations, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Oversee the plant's food safety certification programs, including leading mock recalls and ensuring readiness for third-party audits.
• Track and report food safety and quality performance through established KPIs and internal reporting tools.
• Provide ongoing food safety and quality education to plant staff, ensuring understanding of quality standards, product specifications, and sanitation requirements.
• Act as the primary communication liaison between plant FSQ staff, cross-functional teams, and corporate management to align on initiatives and business strategies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, operational hygiene, and workplace safety.
• Ensure testing procedures and analytical methods are properly executed and documented.
• Maintain effective records and documentation related to FSQ programs, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness.
• Address and escalate unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and other workplace hazards within the plant.
   

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Essential Criteria

• Minimum education required: BS Food Science or other relevant degree
• Experience: 7-10 years of experience in food safety and quality.
• Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Basic Qualifications

1. Strong technical knowledge of food safety and quality. 
2. Excellent interpersonal skills. 
3. Formal audit training/certification. 
4. Proven ability to work autonomously and also highly collaboratively. 
5. Working knowledge of GFSI standards: FSSC 22000 and/or SQF preferred
6. Ability to evaluate complex food safety/quality issues and drive appropriate decision-making.
7. Business professionalism to represent pladis with external contacts including, but not limited to, contractors, regulatory entities, auditors, customers, etc.
8. Risk assessment and crisis management training and skills. 
9. Competency to integrate food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements into manufacturing operation parameters with high degree of efficiency and effectivity. 

10. PCQI Certified

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, s