Quality Assurance Group Manager

at  Wasabi Sushi and Bento

Founded in 2003 by Dong Hyun Kim, his mission was simple, to make fresh and flavorsome sushi and bento available to everyone. Almost 20 years later Wasabi have 40 successful branches across London, other UK major cities and New York.
The journey continued in 2019 with the launch of Wasabi Home Bento exclusively into Sainsburys. After several years of great success there, the grocery business expanded launching into Tesco in September 2022. Wasabi has now firmly established itself as the No2 chilled ready meal brand and a driver of significant market growth. And we’re just getting started. The leadership team have set out their 5 year strategy which encompasses company growth, franchise and international expansion.
Our menu is renowned for its distinctiveness, freshness and flavour. The cold food range of sushi, pokes and salads are made fresh daily in our branch kitchens and our hot bento, noodle bowls and soups offer an indulgent and comforting alternative to our broad and democratic demographic.
As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a Quality Assurance Group Manager to join our Technical Team based in Park Royal.

OUR REQUIREMENTS:

The Quality Assurance Supervisor should have a good practical working knowledge of food safety legislation and quality requirements. A strong QA background is desirable for this role but more importantly you will be energetic, punctual, proactive, and reliable with the ability to lead, guide, and motivate others towards achievement. HACCP knowledge, a food science qualification or equivalent and experience in the manufacturing industry within a high care / high risk environment will be favourable.

IN RETURN WE PROVIDE:

• A great working environment
• Pension scheme
• Target Bonus
• Refer A Friend Scheme
• Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
• 50% discount in our Branches
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Long Service Awards
• Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
• Life Assurance
• Cycle To Work
• Free on-site parking
• A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.
  Our people make us who we are. If you’re looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can’t wait to hear from you.

To provide professional support and assist to QA manager in the management of food safety, food quality, health & safety and legal compliance, covering all operations taking place at the Central Production Unit.
To manage and train the quality assurance team (technologists) in Central Production Unit

Key Responsibilities:

• Communicate with operational management team and staff on a regular basis to continuously improve Central Production Unit’s food safety and quality culture.
• To operate in a safe working manner and support the site/business on continuous improvement relating to health, safety, and the environment.
• Inspect and monitor quality of environmental and in-process food production such as hygiene practice, GMP (good manufacturing practice), temperature, raw material, process & product consistencies.
• Conduct internal audit on a regular basis e.g., glass & plastic, GMP (good manufacturing practice), CCP (critical control point) and allergen etc. Document and report the finding from the audit to all area manager and senior management.
• Ensure accurate records of monitoring activities and corrective actions.
• Ensure calibration tests & record on monitoring equipment are in place.
• Manage routine sampling plan, including shelf life and swab samples, for microbiological testing, analyses and evaluate the result of testing and communicate the findings to Line Manager.
• Document and report the result of investigation of problems and complaints to Line Manager as appropriate.
• Manage and train the direct report, quality assurance technologists in Central Production Unit.
• Advise production supervisors and managers on corrective actions required as a result of monitoring activities.
• Provide assistance with supplier and customer complaints on food safety, packaging or other food related issues.
• Working with various department e.g. operation, hygiene and engineering team and provide professional support towards BRC (British Retail Consortium) audit.
• Participate as part of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and TACCP (Threat Analysis Critical Control Point) team.
• Update and create documents as required.