QC Shift Leader
QC Shift Leader Location: On-site, EMG factory Contract: 1-Year Fixed Term Shifts: Monday to Friday, alternating bi-weekly between 6am–2pm and 2pm–10pm
Changing the world of pet food for good
We’re Tails.com, a dog food subscription company with a big difference. We create truly tailored food for each and every dog we serve. We start by asking people a few simple questions about their dog. Then we use that information to create their dog’s unique Tails.com recipe – so their dog gets exactly the nutrition they need, in the taste they love, delivered to their door every month. It’s clever stuff.
We’ve got bold plans. Having created an entirely new category in pet food, we’re now scaling fast – backed by Purina, one of the world’s largest pet food companies. You’ll join a bunch of smart people working towards the same goals – and a bunch of smart-ish dogs, all working on their own thing.
Together, we’ll change the world of pet food for good.
Build our brand
We’re building an international brand, fast. We set ambitious goals. We challenge and support each other in equal measure. At the pace we’re moving, we prefer to test ideas and learn quickly rather than spend months building a business case. That means we celebrate when things go right, and we learn when things go wrong.
The role
We’re seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Quality Control Shift Leader (QCSL) to join our Quality Team. In this shift-based role, you’ll play a vital part in upholding our high standards of product quality and food safety, ensuring we consistently meet our brand promise. As the Quality Control Shift Leader, you’ll work closely with the Factory Quality Technologist to support the development and implementation of the Quality Management System. This role is perfect for an individual with hands-on experience in food safety or manufacturing quality control, who is ready to take on a leadership position and make a meaningful impact on product quality and operational excellence.
The Quality Control Shift Leader will be responsible for coordinating and implementing our quality processes and procedures in the factory. You will get the opportunity to work with a team of QC operators and a production team, where you can bring forward ideas.
You will be responsible for:
Lead QC Operations
Oversee quality checks from goods-in through to final product, ensuring compliance with SOPs and specifications.
Receiving reported issues and raising nonconformity reports with suppliers.
Investigate & Resolve Issues
Manage product complaints, non-conformances, and Q&FS incidents—taking corrective actions quickly and effectively.
Sampling & Testing
Coordinate product, environmental, and water sampling, ensuring timely lab submissions and results follow-up.
Drive Continuous Improvement
Lead GMP and Glass and plastic inspections, monitor hygiene standards, and support pest control and housekeeping practices.
Ensure all Quality Control team members are fully trained, competent, and equipped to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Lead regular performance reviews and support individual development plans.
Collaborate with Production and other departments to ensure all factory personnel are trained in relevant quality procedures and standards.
Cross-functional Collaboration
Work closely with Production, Technical, and Supply Chain teams to keep everything running smoothly and in line with our quality strategy.
What You’ll Bring:
Proven experience in a QA/QC role, ideally within food manufacturing or a regulated production environment
Working knowledge of food safety standards, GMP, and root cause analysis
Confident leadership skills, with the ability to train, guide, and inspire a team
A proactive, solution-focused approach with excellent communication skills
Ability to manage Quality issues on site and communicate with cross-functional teams
The ability to investigate, document, and maintain records accurately, with emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy
Able to work on their initiative, being proactive and curious on the factory floor
Ability to work independently once proper training has been given
Capable of splitting your time between hands-on work and administrative tasks
Ability to use Google Sheets, Docs, Slides and Email
Good spoken and written English
What's in it for you?
Competitive salary, reviewed annually
Flexible core hours, giving you true work life balance
Hybrid role to ensure this role works for you
25 days of holiday (excluding bank holidays) which increases over time to a max of 27 days
9/10 day working week to enhance your wellbeing without a reduction in pay and leave allowance
Optional 5 days unpaid leave and 1 paid volunteer day each year
When you need a change of scenery, you can work from abroad 2 weeks every 6 months
Health insurance for you, paid by Tails.com
Extended maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay. 6 months at 70% pay
Flexible paid care leave to support immediate dependants, people close to you and pets
In house L&D team, with access to year round courses to help drive your development
50% discount on all Tails.com
Discounted gym membership
What’s next?
If this sounds like it matches your experience and what you’d love to do, we can’t wait to hear from you! If you’re unsure whether you fit our criteria exactly, please get in touch anyway. And because we believe that diverse teams perform better, we’d especially love to hear from you if you’re from an under-represented demographic.
Here’s a taster of how our recruitment process works:
Once you have applied your CV will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Team.
Initial Interview (30 minutes) If selected, you’ll be invited to a virtual call with the Hiring Manager to discuss your background, skills, and what excites you about the role.
On-site Panel Interview (2 hours) If you progress to the next stage, you’ll be invited to our Factory for an in-person panel interview. This is a great opportunity to meet the team, learn more about the role, and share your ideas and experience
Our Commitment
We’re proud to be an active equal opportunity employer. We want to give everyone a fair chance to join us in changing the world of pet food for good. We do this by conducting a structured recruitment process for all candidates, as well as actively promoting our roles to communities that are under-represented at Tails.com.
During your interview process you’ll meet some of our team with varying levels of responsibility and experience. We want to give every candidate a fair interview process and if you need any reasonable adjustments made, please let us know.
- Department
- Operations
- Locations
- East Midlands Gateway