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We are working with a leading global manufacturing organisation to recruit an Inspection Lead for their site in Blackburn.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced quality professional to take ownership of a final inspection function within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will lead a team of inspectors, drive performance improvements, support quality initiatives, and ensure products meet the highest standards before reaching customers.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the final inspection team, ensuring inspection activities are completed efficiently and in line with required quality standards.
* Manage day-to-day inspector resourcing, including holiday planning, absence management, and overtime requirements.
* Develop and maintain training plans and competency matrices for inspection personnel.
* Supervise inspection activities to ensure accurate data recording and timely completion of work.
* Monitor departmental KPIs and drive improvements across efficiency, quality, and health & safety performance.
* Escalate quality concerns and non-conformities to the wider Quality and Operations teams.
* Support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions relating to inspection activities.
* Manage team performance, ensuring adherence to company procedures, quality standards, and behavioural expectations.
* Support documentation reviews and continuous improvement of inspection processes and procedures.
* Contribute to the wider quality strategy and development plans across the manufacturing facility.
* Work closely with production and quality teams to ensure customer requirements are consistently met.

Requirements

* HND or equivalent qualification in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Scientific, or related discipline.
* Previous experience within an inspection, quality assurance, or quality control environment.
* Proven experience supervising or managing teams within a manufacturing setting.
* Strong understanding of quality standards, inspection processes, and compliance requirements.
* Experience investigating non-conformities and supporting corrective action activities.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Customer-focused approach with strong attention to detail.
* Well-organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
* Comfortable working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
* Flexible and adaptable approach to work.

Personal Attributes

* Natural leader with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
* Strong problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
* Results-driven with a focus on quality and operational excellence.
* Able to influence stakeholders positively across multiple departments.
* Highly organised with excellent planning and decision-making skills.
* Committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and health and safety.
* Positive and professional team player who leads by example.

What's on Offer

* Opportunity to join a successful and growing international manufacturing business.
* Leadership role with genuine influence over quality and inspection performance.
* Exposure to continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
* Career development opportunities within a global organisation.
* Collaborative and supportive working environment.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.

Location: Blackburn

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Quality Assurance Manager - FMCG Manufacturing
📍 Worcestershire

An established and growing manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead site quality and compliance activities within a fast-paced production environment.

This is a highly visible role with responsibility for maintaining and improving quality systems, audit readiness, product compliance, and operational standards across the site.

The Role

Key responsibilities will include:

Managing and developing the site Quality Management SystemLeading HACCP reviews and site risk assessmentsCoordinating internal audits and supporting external audits/customer visitsDriving GMP, hygiene, and continuous improvement standardsManaging investigations, non-conformances, CAPAs, and root cause analysisOverseeing SOP control and quality documentation processesSupporting supplier and packaging quality investigationsLeading and developing a quality team within a busy manufacturing operation

Candidate Profile

We are interested in speaking with candidates from a variety of regulated or high-volume manufacturing sectors, including:

Food manufacturingFMCGPharmaceuticalPersonal careCosmeticsOther high-care or highly regulated production environments

Direct sector experience is beneficial but not essential where candidates can demonstrate strong transferable quality and compliance expertise.

Key Requirements

Suitable applicants will ideally possess:

Proven experience within a QA or technical leadership roleStrong understanding of BRC standards and leading audit preparationExperience managing internal and external auditsHACCP qualification with practical implementation experienceKnowledge of QMS management and continuous improvement methodologiesStrong problem-solving and corrective action experiencePrevious people management and stakeholder engagement experienceA hands-on approach with the ability to work closely with operational teams

Additional Information

Experience working within a BRC-accredited manufacturing environment is highly desirable.HACCP Level 3 minimum preferred; Level 4 advantageous.The role combines both operational shop-floor presence and quality systems management responsibilities.Candidates should be comfortable leading teams, managing compliance activities, and supporting a strong quality culture across site.

This opportunity would suit an ambitious quality professional looking to make a significant impact within a dynamic manufacturing business. Please contact Rick @smart4 sciences for more info

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