Quality Assurance Manager

About Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers is a family-operated artisan cheese producer based in Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland. The company emphasizes traditional cheese-making methods and uses premium ingredients to create unique products that embody the local dairy heritage. The team is dedicated to craftsmanship, food safety, and sustainable production practices, fostering a collaborative workplace where quality, integrity, and ongoing improvement are prioritized.

Role Overview

The Quality Assurance Manager position is a full-time, on-site role located in Cashel. The primary responsibility is to oversee all facets of product quality and food safety in the cheese production process. This includes the creation, implementation, and upkeep of quality management protocols such as HACCP plans and hygiene standards, ensuring adherence to food safety laws and certifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections and audits to maintain compliance and identify areas for enhancement.
• Monitor production processes continuously to uphold quality standards.
• Manage documentation and traceability records meticulously.
• Lead investigations into quality issues, develop root cause analyses, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production, supply chain, and management teams to train personnel on quality assurance procedures.
• Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the quality framework.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in quality assurance or control within food manufacturing, especially dairy products.
• Proficient knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong capabilities in process monitoring, data analysis, and problem-solving to detect trends and manage non-conformances.
• Skilled in document control, record maintenance, and preparing for internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for effectively training staff and engaging cross-functional teams.
• Educational background in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Quality Management, or related disciplines.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive attitude towards risk management in an operational production environment.
• Knowledge of industry certifications like BRC, ISO, or similar is advantageous.
• Experience or interest in artisanal or specialty food production, with an appreciation for sustainable and traditional cheesemaking methods.