interim QA Manager

Job Title: interim QA Manager
Location: West Flanders, Belgium 
Industry: Food Production
Start Date: ASAP/January-February 2026
Contract Type: Freelance / Contract (Initial 6-12 months, extension possible)
 
About the Client:
Our client is a leading international food production company operating large-scale manufacturing facilities in Europe. The site produces a wide range of products, and operates under strict quality, food safety, and regulatory standards.

Role Overview:
We are seeking an Interim QA Manager to lead and stabilize the QA function at site level. The role is site-based and focuses on ensuring food safety, product quality, and compliance with internal and external standards while supporting continuous improvement across production and operations. You will act as the key quality partner for operations, engineering, and supply chain, ensuring robust QA systems, audit readiness, and effective quality culture on site.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the site Quality Assurance team, ensuring clear priorities, coaching, and performance management.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety standards and certifications (e.g. BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000, HACCP).
• Act as the site owner for the Quality Management System (QMS), including documentation, procedures, and records.
• Lead internal and external audits (customers, certification bodies, authorities) and manage corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, food safety, complaints reduction, and process reliability.
• Manage non-conformities, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation in close collaboration with operations.
• Ensure compliance with local legislation, customer requirements, and corporate QA policies.
• Act as the quality escalation point for incidents, deviations, and customer complaints.

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience as a QA Manager or related roles within food production environments.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, QMS, and regulatory requirements.
• Hands-on, pragmatic leadership style with the ability to operate effectively in a production environment.
• Languages: English, Dutch (strong bonus), French (bonus)

Contract Details
Location: West Flanders, Belgium
Schedule: 3-5 days per week
Duration: 6–12 months, with possible extension
Rate: Competitive freelance daily rate, depending on experience and qualifications