Quality Systems Manager

At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.

Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.

As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.

Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.

Quality Systems Manager - Matthew Walker Puddings

Are you passionate about food safety, quality, and building strong customer relationships? Our Matthew Walker puddings site in Heanor is recruiting a Quality Systems Manager — a pivotal, customer‑facing role responsible for championing, maintaining, and continuously improving our Quality Management System (QMS).

This is an exciting opportunity to influence site-wide standards, ensure compliance with customer and industry requirements, and play a key role in strengthening customer confidence in our products and processes.

About the Role

As Quality Systems Manager, you will ensure the site adheres to all customer policies, codes of practice, and industry certifications. You’ll challenge and validate systems and processes, support continuous improvement, and help us manage key risks across the business. You’ll also be instrumental in developing strong, positive relationships with our customers and internal teams.

Key Accountabilities

Leadership & Management

• Champion cross‑functional collaboration to embed food safety and quality as shared responsibilities across the site.
• Lead a joined‑up approach to food safety and quality across Quality Systems, Quality Assurance, and Operations.
• Coach and develop the Quality Systems Coordinator, setting clear objectives and supporting training needs.
• Act as deputy for the Technical Manager when required.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and evolve the Quality Management System in line with industry standards, customer requirements, and technical advancements.
• Ensure full factory compliance with customer policies, Codes of Practice, and BRC standards.
• Manage the internal audit programme to meet BRC and private‑label customer requirements.

KPI Management

• Measure, trend, and report performance against internal and customer KPIs.
• Drive ownership and follow‑through on all KPI‑related actions.

Customer Focus

• Support the Site Technical Manager during customer visits and technical audits to ensure successful outcomes.
• Lead day‑to‑day BRC and retailer audit management, ensuring timely and effective close‑out of non‑conformances.
• Ensure customer complaints and queries are handled promptly and effectively.
• Maintain strong communication and collaboration with commercial teams, ensuring all requests are managed efficiently.
• Manage the external audit programme.
• Undertake any additional duties as directed by the Technical Manager and deputise in their absence.

• Degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related discipline, or significant experience in a similar role
• Experience working with retailer quality systems
• Strong understanding of BRC requirements, compliance, and audit processes
• HACCP Level 3 qualification
• Knowledge of HACCP principles and practical application
• Working knowledge of food production techniques
• Experience with quality or technical systems
• Strong computer literacy

Skills, Qualities & Experience

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams
• High attention to detail and a diligent approach to work
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a logical, methodical mindset
• Highly organised, able to prioritise effectively and manage multiple tasks
• Self‑motivated, capable of working independently and as part of a team
• Confident supervisory skills, with the ability to lead a team, meet deadlines, and use initiative
• A proactive drive to succeed and continuously improve processes

What we offer you in return

• Excellent Salary
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount 
• And plenty more!