Food Production & Quality Manager

The Food Preparation and Quality Manager (FPQM) is responsible for leading and managing daily food preparation and production operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, cost control, and the highest food safety standards. This role oversees the planning, execution, monitoring, and verification of standard operating programs, while driving continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and effective kitchen operations. As head of the kitchen department, the FPQM reports to the Board of Directors and ensures full compliance with food safety, health, and quality requirements, while maintaining all critical food safety documentation and fostering a hands-on, high-performing team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of existing QSR food preparation and production, quality assurance, and food safety processes into a single, unified system, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), incoming ingredient inspections, product evaluations, food safety audits, field complaints, and standardized work instructions.
• Oversee plant compliance and manage interactions and relationships with Certification Bodies.
• Ensure the facility consistently meets all regulatory, customer, and certification requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain systems that ensure compliance with all system requirements, including leadership commitment, document and record control, specifications, food safety achievement, verification activities, product identification, traceability and recall, incident management, and food safety fundamentals such as facility design, construction, and prerequisite programs.
• Manage the finished product evaluation program and provide leadership to drive continuous improvement in key customer and consumer quality attributes.
• Train employees on quality systems, products, and critical food safety and quality requirements, while maintaining accurate and complete training records and a facility-wide training registry.
• Oversee monitoring, verification, and validation activities to ensure all products released from the facility meet established standards.
• Take responsibility for employee health, safety, wellbeing, and welfare.
• Provide leadership and guidance when deviations or quality issues occur.
• Reassess and update plans whenever changes occur to programs, processes, procedures, ingredients, equipment, industry practices, or technology.
• Conduct regular physical oversight of QSR kitchen operations.

Experience & Education

• Relevant qualifications in Food Preparation and Production, Food Safety, Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in food preparation and production, including at least two (2) years within a food service or similar industry environment.
• At least two (2) years’ experience in product development and the delivery of employee training.
• Proven experience working within inspected or regulated manufacturing or food production facilities.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with local food legislation, rules, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in food safety management and facility regulatory compliance.
• Holds a valid food handling licence.

Requirements

• Strong organisational, leadership, and people management skills.
• Ability to assess operational issues and implement effective corrective actions, with an understanding of recruitment challenges and general HR matters.
• Solid understanding of logistics, distribution, and delivery systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a proactive approach to issue resolution.
• Culturally aware, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse workforce and customer base.
• Highly motivated leader with a commitment to personal development and professional growth.
• Well-established professional reputation and strong industry background.
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and integrated software systems.
• Willingness to travel and work across multiple outlets connected to the main kitchen facility.
• Holds a valid driving licence and has access to a personal vehicle.

Job Reference: SL452