Managing the Quality section of the technical department for a specialist viennoiserie and bread manufacturer supplying most of the major UK retailers and discounters. Responsible for a team of Quality Assurance Auditors and Technical Administrator. Ultimately responsible for managing and implementing all aspects of the quality system. Ensuring compliance with GFSI and retailer standards, creating procedures, arranging training and controlling systems such as traceability, lab analysis, complaint handling and so on. Integral to all retailer and GFSI audits: site tours and ensuring provision of all technical data.Regular communication with customers and suppliers to resolve complaints and non-conformities.Member of HACCP, VACCP and product development teams using my experience and knowledge to identify and assess risks to product and business.Management of the internal audit programme and supplier audits.Ensuring the manufacturing teams adhere to requirements of the quality system and feedback levels of compliance and concerns via management meetings.

BRC Grade A accredited site with High Care and Low Risk production environments. Responsible for improving standards and compliance with technical, legislative and customer requirements across the site.

Responsible for all aspects of quality at raw material intake, finished product dispatch and all points in between. Driven massive improvements in the quality management system resulting in improved site hygiene and maintenance management. Established sensory analysis schedules and procedures.

Took some time out to see the world. And it was good.

Primary contact for all matters relating to microbiological issues and member of the HACCP Management and Raw Material Approval teams.Responsible for demonstrating / validating microbiological safety of products and headed a team responsible for the development of a food safety / hygiene audit at multiple UK sites. Team-member of several factory engineering projects (new plant equipment installations).Created training packages covering factory cleaning & microbial control. Presented to factory operators and all levels of management.Liaised with clients and food research associations to reach agreeable terms for satisfying food safety concerns & product specifications. Devised and run a number of projects to increase product shelf-life. Monitored consumer complaints, investigated and resolved with site-management team.