Manufacturing Shift Lead Quality

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Shift Lead – Quality to join our Operations team at Lees.

Lees has been creating much-loved confectionery and bakery products for generations. As one of Scotland's best-known food manufacturers, we're proud of our heritage while continually investing in our people, processes and products. Quality sits at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for a passionate leader to help us maintain the highest standards of food safety, product quality and manufacturing excellence.

Working as part of our Operations team, you'll be the quality lead for your shift, partnering closely with Technical, Production, Engineering and Supply Chain to ensure our products consistently meet customer expectations, legislative requirements and industry-leading standards.

As Manufacturing Shift Lead – Quality, you'll take ownership of all quality and food safety activities during your shift, acting as the first point of contact for quality-related matters across the factory. You'll manage quality incidents including product holds, concessions, non-conformances and near misses, ensuring robust root cause analysis and effective corrective actions are implemented.

You’ll develop a detailed understanding of manufacturing processes, identifying opportunities to improve product quality, reduce process variation and drive operational performance. Working closely with Production teams, you'll champion continuous improvement initiatives and support the delivery of right‑first‑time manufacturing.

You’ll conduct regular internal audits covering GMP, hygiene, CCPs, allergen management, foreign body controls, documentation and quality systems, ensuring corrective actions are completed and standards remain audit‑ready at all times.

You’ll coordinate product trials, process validations and new product launches while maintaining food safety and quality standards throughout production. You'll also manage equipment calibration, routine verification activities and quality inspections across the site.

Day‑to‑day, you'll carry out routine quality testing including pH, allergen verification, weight control, calibration and product assessments, ensuring labels, packaging and specifications are compliant before products leave site.

You’ll investigate customer complaints and quality trends, working collaboratively with operational teams to identify root causes and implement preventative actions. You'll also support customer, BRCGS and third‑party audits, confidently presenting quality systems, traceability exercises and manufacturing standards.

Success in the role will be measured through quality performance, audit compliance, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement delivery, food safety standards and your ability to build a strong culture of quality across the manufacturing operation.

• Previous experience within a fast‑paced food manufacturing or FMCG environment
• Strong background in quality assurance, food safety and GMP‑controlled manufacturing
• Experience leading or contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong problem‑solving skills with experience using structured root cause analysis techniques
• Good understanding of LEAN Manufacturing principles
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate teams to achieve quality and operational KPIs
• Excellent understanding of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements
• Knowledge of BRCGS standards and customer Codes of Practice
• Strong awareness of allergen management and foreign body controls
• Experience using manufacturing and quality management systems
• Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills
• A proactive, collaborative approach with a passion for continuous improvement
• High levels of integrity, accountability and resilience within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

At Lees, our people are the key ingredient to our success. We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone can develop, grow and make a genuine difference. As we continue to invest in our manufacturing operations, we're looking for talented people who share our passion for…