Main Purpose of the Position:
The Quality Team Leader is responsible for leading the quality team, assurance and control activities within the Rugby beverage can-making facility. This role ensures all production meets company, customer, and regulatory quality standards. The position maintains and improves the quality performance of the team, department and the site, whilst directing quality technicians, coordinating inspections and testing, managing quality documentation, and drives continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving and adherence to FSSC 22000, GMP, and HACCP systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Control & Assurance
Supervise daily quality inspection activities across all production areas, including Bodymaker, Decorator, Necker, and vision inspection systems (e.g., Pressco CPX). Ensure compliance with specifications for can dimensions, coating weight, decoration, and seam integrity. Oversee sampling and testing procedures for raw materials, in-process cans, and finished products. Review SPC data and control charts; ensure corrective actions are implemented when trends or non-conformities occur. Maintain traceability and proper documentation in accordance with FSSC 22000 and customer requirements. Verify calibration and functionality of inspection and measurement equipment. Oversee Customer proofing process in conjunction with Platemaking, Shift QA and Production Teams Use Plant systems such as PDS, SAP, Infinity and Production databases to aid problem solving, root cause analysis and traceability. Attend various Production, Planning & Quality meetings and deliver information data relevant to each meeting Planning/Implementing quality projects Attend Technical meetings Succession Planning & Training for the Quality Team Customer facing support and complaint handling Stock control and management of Quarantined materials
Leadership & Team Development
Strong Empathetic People Leader Lead, coach, and develop a team of quality technicians and samplers. Conduct regular 1-2-1 sessions with Quality team and established clear development plans. Schedule and allocate team resources effectively across 5-shift operations. Conduct on-the-job training on quality inspection techniques, GMP, and safety. Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement and sustainability Deliver Clear communication plans.
Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
Lead root cause analysis (RCA, A3s) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for quality issues. Participate and lead, in cross-functional problem-solving with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams. Support quality-related projects such as process capability improvement and defect reduction. Analyze quality data and prepare reports for management review (e.g., daily defect trends, non-conformance reports) and draw clear and concise conclusions. Implement Sustainable Solutions within a multi-shift continuous production site.
Compliance & Systems
Ensure adherence to HACCP, GMP, Allergen Control, and FSSC 22000 standards. Support internal and external audits (customer, certification, or regulatory). Review and update SOPs and OPLs, inspection checklists, and quality forms as needed. Participate in risk assessments and validation activities for new products or process changes.
Scope of Position:
Budgets Responsible for: Yes - Quality Budget
Contacts within Ardagh: All Production personnel
Contacts outside of the Company: Customers / LRD (External Ardagh departments)
Professional Requirements:
Qualifications:
Education & Experience (Required)
Formal Quality qualification or demonstrable knowledge 5 GCSE’s or equivalent including Math’s and English Quality and Auditing related Qualifications Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in quality assurance/control, preferably in can-making, metal packaging, or high-speed manufacturing, FMCG. Proven Supervisory or team lead experience (Min 3 years)(Desirable)
Food Safety qualification (FSSC/BRC)
Technical Skills (Required)
Strong understanding of SPC, Capability (CPK), MSA, and quality tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA). Working knowledge of FSSC 22000 or BRC, HACCP, GMP, and ISO 9001 systems. Proficient in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
(Desirable)
Familiarity with automated inspection systems/ vision inspection systems is an advantage. Lean qualification/Six Sigma Green Belt Minimum
Soft Skills
Excellent communication and proven leadership abilities both one to one and in a group. Strong analytical and decision-making skills. Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-shift manufacturing environment. Positive “can do” attitude Results driven Detailed Follow up and Completer Finisher of tasks. Excellent Communication skills and the ability to create trusted professional relationships
Languages:
Fluent in written and spoken English
Computer Skills:
Proficient in Word, Excell, PowerPoint, SPC Packages Ability to learn internal Quality user Systems, LIMS
Previous Job / Project Experience:
Experience in leading and developing at a high performance level Previous experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment Extensive experience of working in Quality Assurance Experience in dealing with customers and suppliers Six Sigma Training (Min Green belt) Desirable Strong knowledge of SPC & Capability (CPK) Membership of an industry related Professional Body would be advantageous
Competencies: (Please mark eight essential competencies for the position)
Action Oriented
X
Dealing with Ambiguity
Boss Relationships
Approachability
X
Business Acumen
Career Ambition
Caring About Direct Reports
X
Comfort Around Higher Mgmt
Command Skills
Compassion
Composure
Conflict Management
Confronting Direct Reports
x
Creativity
Customer Focus
X
Timely Decision Making
X
Decision Quality
X
Delegation
X
Developing Direct Reports
X
Directing Direct Reports
X
Managing Diversity
Ethics and Values
X
Fairness to Direct Reports
Functional / Technical Skills
X
Hiring and Staffing
Humor
Informing
Innovation Management
Integrity and Trust
X
Intellectual Horsepower
Interpersonal Savvy
Learning on the Fly
Listening
Managerial Courage
x
Managing / Measuring Work
Motivating Others
Negotiating
X
Organizational Agility
Organizing
X
Dealing with Paradox
Patience
Peer Relationships
Perseverance
X
Personal Disclosure
Personal Learning
Perspective
Planning
X
Political Savvy
Presentation Skills
X
Priority Setting
X
Problem Solving
X
Process Management
X
Drive for Results
X
Self Development
Self Knowledge
X
Sizing up People
Standing alone
Strategic Agility
Managing Through Systems
Building Effective Teams
X
Technical Learning
X
Time Management
X
TQM / Re-Engineering
Understanding Others
x
Managing Vision and Purpose
Work / Life Balance
Written Communications
X
Work Pattern: 42 hours per week
Monday to Thursday - 8.00am to 4.30pm, Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm
Date Approved:
Jan 2026
Authorised By:
Paul Mills
QA Manager
Reviewed By:
Grace Lyne
About Ardagh Metal Packaging
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is a leading supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans to brand owners globally. An operating business of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group, AMP is a leading industry player across Europe and the Americas, with innovative production capabilities, 23 production facilities, more than 6,000 employees and recorded revenues of $4.8 billion in 2023.
AMP is 76%-owned by Ardagh Group and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMBP.
About Ardagh Group
Ardagh Group is a global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for brand owners around the world. We have grown to a team of approximately 20,000 people with revenues of more than $9 billion. Today we have a presence across the Americas, Europe and Africa.
· Ardagh produces many of the beverage cans and bottles that contain your favourite beverages.
· Our packaging is manufactured from metal and glass - permanent materials that can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality.
· Ardagh produces more than 60 billion containers per year (more than 160 million containers per day).
The future we’re creating for Ardagh is built around our four Core Values of Inclusion, Trust, Teamwork and Excellence. We offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team - you’ll enjoy the journey!