Thatchers Cider
Quality Control Manager
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About Thatchers Cider
Established in 1904 by William John Thatcher, Thatchers has grown into one of the leading cider making businesses in the world. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we are proud of our heritage, our people and our commitment to quality. Based at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, Somerset, we continue to grow through investment in our brands, people, innovation and technical capabilities.
The Role
We are looking for a Quality Control Manager to lead and develop our QC laboratory function at Thatchers Cider. This is a hands-on role responsible for ensuring ciders, blends, packaged products and associated processes are tested, monitored and controlled to meet quality, safety, legality and authenticity standards. The role will focus on improving laboratory methods, strengthening processes, making better use of QC data and providing practical technical support to production, packaging, blending, fermentation and cider making teams.
Key Accountabilities & Duties
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the QC laboratory, ensuring testing is accurate, consistent and completed on time.
- Oversee routine and non-routine testing of ciders, blends, packaged products and production line samples.
- Review, record and communicate QC results, escalating out-of-specification results, trends and quality concerns.
- Support product release by ensuring required testing, checks and records are completed where applicable.
- Provide practical technical support to production, packaging, blending, fermentation and cider making teams.
- Develop laboratory methods, processes and systems to improve accuracy, efficiency and usefulness of QC data.
- Lead, coach and develop the QC team, ensuring training, competence and clear expectations.
- Maintain laboratory housekeeping, hygiene, equipment care, calibration and Good Laboratory Practice.
- Manage equipment checks, calibration schedules, verification activities and external proficiency schemes.
- Support microbiological monitoring, shelf-life testing, daily tasting and product quality assessments.
- Assist with investigations into non-conformances, complaints, quality issues and internal failures.
- Support the Quality Management System, including BRCGS, HACCP, food safety, legality and customer requirements.
- Contribute to audits, site inspections, customer visits and supplier-related quality investigations where required.
- Support NPD, process trials, competitor analysis and product improvement projects with testing and technical input.
- Monitor QC performance, identify trends and contribute to KPIs, continuous improvement and food safety culture.
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Person Specification
The successful candidate will bring experience from within the food and beverage industry, ideally gained in a quality control, laboratory, technical, or production quality environment. They will have a sound understanding of HACCP principles, food safety controls, and product legality requirements, together with practical experience of operating within a quality management system. Knowledge of BRCGS standards would be advantageous. Candidates should also possess laboratory testing experience, including the use of analytical methods, calibration of equipment, and interpretation of results. A qualification in Food Science, Brewing, Chemistry, Microbiology, Quality Management, or a related discipline would be desirable.
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The individual will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and a structured approach to their work, ensuring that quality standards are consistently maintained. They will be a confident communicator who can build effective working relationships across departments and influence colleagues at all levels of the business. The role requires someone capable of leading, supporting, and developing a small team while fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.
A practical and analytical problem solver, the successful candidate will exercise sound judgement and remain calm when faced with challenges or changing priorities. They will be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement, driven by a desire to enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance. Above all, they will be willing to challenge existing ways of working constructively and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that high standards are maintained throughout the operation.
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