Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist

Location: Kent

Salary: C. £35k DOE

Hybrid Split: 3 days office / 2 days remote

The Role

An established international ingredients and manufacturing solutions business is seeking a Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist to support its quality function within a fast-paced food and nutrition environment. Their Kent site plays a key role in quality, compliance, and supplier assurance activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and approve raw material specifications to ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and product requirements.

• Conduct supplier risk assessments, performance reviews, and monitoring activities.

• Maintain and update the Approved Supplier List.

• Support compliance with recognised food safety standards (e.g., BRCGS/GFSI frameworks).

• Assist with internal and supplier audits, including documentation review.

• Ensure compliance with UK food legislation, allergen controls, labelling requirements, and compositional standards.

• Carry out HACCP-based raw material risk assessments covering microbiological, allergen, and chemical hazards.

• Apply food defence and food fraud vulnerability assessment principles.

• Manage testing data within LIMS and verify Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for traceability.

• Support certification processes such as Kosher and Halal where required.

• Investigate supplier non-conformances and lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions (CAPA).

• Assist with recall/withdrawal procedures and mock traceability exercises.

• Support the Quality & Food Safety Management System (QFSMS) and maintain accurate documentation control.

• Monitor quality KPIs and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

• 1–2 years’ experience within a Quality role in the food industry (supplier quality experience desirable).

• Strong understanding of food safety standards such as HACCP, BRCGS, ISO 22000, or similar.

• Knowledge of UK food law, allergen management, and regulatory compliance.

• Experience supporting certification schemes (e.g., Kosher, Halal, sustainability standards) is advantageous.

• Familiarity with LIMS, ERP, or QMS systems. • Confident analysing data and reporting KPIs.

• Supplier auditing experience desirable (Lead Auditor qualification beneficial).

• Able to assess risk and implement effective corrective actions.

What’s Offered

• Discretionary performance bonus

• Training and development opportunities

• BUPA after 6 months

• Subsidised gym membership

• Flexible pay access scheme