Food Safety Compliance Manager

Bulmers is part of C&C Group plc, a premium drinks company which owns, manufactures, markets and distributes a unique portfolio of beer and cider brands in its home markets and across the globe. You probably know us best from brands like Bulmers, Magners and Tennent’s.

About the Role

This role is responsible for leading the development and continuous improvement of food safety compliance and quality systems across the site. The role focuses on ensuring that all products and procedures are safe, legal and compliant at all times. It involves close interaction with all relevant departments on quality issues and a clear understanding to ensure that all products meet highest quality and food safety standards.

Responsibilities include the following:

Quality & Food Safety:

• Responsible for compliance, maintenance and development of BRCGS, HSE, Dept. of Ag, FEMAS, FSMA and Customer Standards
• Act as the site lead for external audits and inspections
• Responsible for managing internal food safety system audits and GMP audits
• Ensure food safety, authenticity, legality and quality throughout the business.
• Maintain and develop all relevant site standard in conjunction with QM & SLT
• HACCP Team Leader & management of HACCP System
• Support recruitment activity and provide relevant food safety training at induction and site level
• Supervise a team so that team members are supported and enabled to deliver their roles according to expected standards.
• Management of customer complaints for the site
• Management of TACCP for the site
• Management of pest control for the site
• Oversee sensory quality and fermentation & crushing functions.
• Attend Operations team meetings as required
• Develop, train and coach other Quality Team members
• Deputise for Site Quality Manager as required

Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the process
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for food safety and quality incidents
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvements

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure that all activities comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations and environmental guidelines
• Foster and promote an environment of safety ensuring the well-being of all colleagues and drive efforts to reduce safety risks ensuring that all colleagues adhere to safety protocols and drives best practices
• Conduct and present findings and recommendations with regular safety audits and risk assessments to mitigate hazards

Budgeting & Cost Management:

• Evaluate and propose cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety
• Manage annual budget in relation to Food Safety & Compliance, ensuring optimal resource allocation to support strategic objectives

Customer & Supplier Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external customers and suppliers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on food safety and compliance expectations.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Ensure accurate record keeping to support traceability and compliance.
• Maintain reports for relevant labs and associated reports.

Project Management:

• Lead and develop project timelines, budgets and resources allocation.
• Integrate industry best practices to support achievement of project objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful and timely project completion and implementation of relevant corrective actions.

About You

• Degree-level qualification in Food Science or a related discipline.
• HACCP trained minimum Level 6 required
• Working knowledge of BRCGS Standard and retail standards
• Minimum 5 year’s experience in a food/drink manufacturing environment with 2 years proven experience in a food safety compliance function and customer audit experience within the food industry with demonstrable experience of developing and leading a high performing team.
• Knowledge of industry best practices in food safety, compliance quality improvement methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams to drive quality and compliance initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis software (e.g QC Pro, Q Pulse)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, decision making and leadership skills
• Strong planning and organizational ability with excellent attention to detail