QUALITY MANAGER - AALST (BELGIUM) - PERMANENT POSITION
We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Quality Manager to lead all aspects of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in our medium-sized food manufacturing site. In this key leadership role, you will be the site’s guardian of product quality and food safety, ensuring that every product meets regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and our own high internal standards.
You will manage and develop the site’s QA and QC teams, oversee all quality systems, and work closely with production, engineering, supply chain, and commercial teams to embed a culture of excellence.
Your remit will span technical compliance, factory floor quality control, audit readiness, and continuous improvement, ensuring that our quality function supports both day-to-day operations and long-term business growth.
This role will suit an experienced quality professional with a strong track record in food manufacturing who enjoys combining strategic leadership with practical, on-the-floor engagement. You will play a pivotal role in protecting our brand, satisfying our customers, and ensuring we remain audit-ready at all times.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, coach, and inspire the QA and QC teams to deliver best-in-class quality performance.
* Act as the site’s senior authority on food safety, legality, and product quality.
* Promote and embed a “quality-first” mindset across all departments.
* Maintain and continually improve the site’s quality management systems in line with HACCP, BRCGS, IFS, and ISO 22000 standards.
* Ensure full compliance with all relevant food safety legislation and customer-specific requirements.
* Prepare for and lead certification, customer, and regulatory audits.
* Manage document control, product specifications, supplier approvals, and traceability systems.
* Conduct regular internal audits and ensure timely closure of non-conformances.
* Oversee raw material inspections, in-process checks, and finished product testing.
* Ensure QC procedures are followed and deviations are addressed immediately.
* Analyse quality data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
* Lead initiatives to reduce complaints, improve product consistency, and minimise waste.
* Investigate and resolve customer complaints and internal quality incidents.
* Implement effective corrective and preventive measures.
Qualifications & Experience
* Proven experience as a Quality Manager or senior QA/QC role in the food manufacturing sector.
* Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, IFS, ISO 22000, and food safety legislation.
* Experience in managing audits and achieving/maintaining certification compliance.
* Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across departments.
* Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline preferred.
* Detail-oriented with uncompromising standards.
* Strong organisational and decision-making skills.
* Ability to balance strategic oversight with practical, hands-on involvement.
* Solutions-focused with a track record in delivering measurable improvements.
The Offer:
* A permanent, full-time employment contract
* A salary & benefits package commensurate with experience
Please send over your CV to tom.walker@vividresourcing.com or call me on +32 (0) 3 318 00 74. As always, we are open to recommendations, so please feel free to pass this on to other suitable candidates.