Quality Team Lead
Location: Kildare
Full Time / Permanent Role
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Optimize Recruitment are proud to be working with our client, a well-established food production business supplying high-quality products to both retail and foodservice sectors across domestic and international markets. With a strong focus on innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement, they are currently seeking a Quality Team Lead to strengthen their Quality Department. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to food safety and quality initiatives in a fast-paced, high-care manufacturing environment.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A third-level qualification (Diploma or higher) in Food Science or a related field.
• 4+ years experience in a similar quality or technical role in the FMCG or food manufacturing sector.
• A strong understanding of HACCP, BRC, and food legislation—HACCP certification is essential.
• Prior exposure to high-care manufacturing environments is advantageous.
• Experience in managing or leading a team is desirable.
• Lead Auditor training is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office and various quality/specification software systems.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Confidence in dealing with auditors, suppliers, and key customers.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to drive strategic improvements.
• Willingness to travel occasionally as part of supplier or customer engagement.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of quality control technicians on-site.
• Represent the quality function in internal meetings and decision-making forums.
• Influence site-wide decisions to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Act as HACCP Team Lead or Co-Lead, ensuring the plan is regularly updated and challenged.
• Oversee internal and external audits (e.g., BRC, DAFM, major retailers).
• Maintain and update food safety systems and quality management documentation.
• Conduct root cause analyses and manage non-conformances effectively.
• Drive continuous improvement in product and process performance.
• Support and deliver training on key food safety and hygiene topics.
• Conduct supplier reviews and audits, maintaining supplier compliance and documentation.

Benefits Scheme

• Excellent career development and progression opportunities.
• Company Pension Scheme
• Staff Support Initiative
• Long Service Programme
• Discounted coverage for health, life, travel, and vehicle insurance
• Wellness Programme
• Death in Service
• Onsite Parking
• Cycle to work Scheme

For additional information and a confidential discussion on this Quality Team Lead position and similar opportunities contact: Chris 056-7786631 / 083 1220295 or Chris@optimizerecruitment.ie

Chris is available for a call between 9am and 5.30pm daily (outside of work hours calls / meetings can be arranged upon request). 

Please submit your CV via the link provided, in confidence.

All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and your CV will never be released without your prior approval.

Job Ref Number: OR-13191

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