Location: Somerset
Salary: £30,000+ (D.O.E)
Reporting to: Technical Manager
Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday, 6:00am – 3:00pm

Quality Assurance Officer

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Quality Assurance Officer to support the delivery of high standards across product quality, food safety, and compliance within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role is integral to ensuring that all products consistently meet regulatory, customer, and internal standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining audit readiness, driving continuous improvement, and promoting a strong culture of quality and food safety across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of quality management systems and procedures.
• Monitor production activities to ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and legal requirements.
• Conduct routine checks including traceability verification, documentation review, and system compliance.
• Ensure all activities align with health and safety standards and best practices.
• Accurately complete and maintain quality records and reports.
• Promptly escalate any issues relating to quality, safety, or compliance.

Monitoring, Testing & Verification

• Carry out daily and routine checks, including:
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Equipment and line verification
  • Calibration of weighing and check weighing systems
  • Product sampling for shelf-life and quality analysis
• Support and participate in product evaluation activities, including taste panels.
• Manage retained samples in line with company procedures.

Operational Support

• Work collaboratively with production and hygiene teams to uphold high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
• Verify line clearance and equipment cleanliness prior to production start-up.
• Prepare and maintain accurate documentation and reports.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing waste.

Team Support & Development

• Provide guidance and support to operational teams on quality, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Assist with new product development trials, including sample preparation and data collection.
• Promote a culture of quality awareness and accountability across the workforce.
• Support internal training activities and deputise for senior QA roles when required.

Non-Conformance & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate product and process non-conformances using structured root cause analysis techniques.
• Implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Ensure non-conforming products are controlled in line with procedures (e.g. quarantine, concession).
• Monitor and ensure timely closure of all corrective actions.

Internal Auditing

• Conduct internal audits in line with the audit schedule, covering quality systems, GMP, and site standards.
• Document findings and support the implementation of corrective actions.

Laboratory & Environmental Monitoring

• Perform routine environmental and hygiene testing, including swabbing and sampling activities.
• Monitor and report on laboratory consumables to ensure adequate stock levels.

Skills & Experience

• Experience within a food manufacturing or similar regulated environment
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality assurance, and hygiene standards
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence and support teams
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Flexible approach to working hours where required

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 HACCP
• Minimum Level 2 Food Safety
• Internal auditing experience (desirable)
• Sensory evaluation training (desirable)

Additional Information

This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. The successful candidate may be required to undertake additional duties in line with business needs.