Quality Systems Assurance Technologist

Quality Systems Assurance Technologist

Salary: £29,000 - £35,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: 36.5 hours per week (Monday - Thursday, 9am–5pm; Friday, 9am–4pm)

Contract: Permanent, full-time (6-month probation)

Reports to: Head of Technical

Location: HQ in Milverton, Somerset, UK - this is an on-site role

(Please note: this role is not remote. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK and be able to commute to Milverton.

About Organic Herb Trading

For over 40 years, Organic Herb Trading has been at the heart of organic and sustainable sourcing—working with herbs, spices, and botanicals from all over the world. We're a small but passionate team based in the Somerset countryside, supplying some of the UK's best-known ethical and wellness brands.

What makes us different? We care deeply about what we do - from the quality of our ingredients to the relationships we build with our growers and customers. We mix decades of expertise with a curious, forward-thinking mindset, always looking for better, fairer and more sustainable ways to do business.

Role Purpose

To maintain Organic Herb Trading BRCGS Food Certification, strengthening quality systems, driving continuous improvements and embedding a positive food safety culture across all areas of the business.

Key Responsibilities

· Support and monitor activities relating to the Digital Quality Management System to ensure issues raised are investigated and closed out in a timely fashion.

· Support non-conformance and root cause process with focus on in coming goods working alongside Operations, Technical and Purchasing teams for a speedy resolution.

· Work closely with Operations and Production to embed a positive, consistent food safety culture. This will include occasional work at our off-site warehouses.

· Oversee site calibration of equipment, pest control and laundry contracts, approval of packaging and cleaning materials and maintenance of associated specifications and safety data sheets.

· Coordinate and attend HACCP meetings. Carry out CCP audits.

· Issue, collate and interpret data generated by in house food safety and quality surveys to provide information for the Head of Technical to present to the Senior Management team.

· Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency across QA

· Update procedures and associated documents and records relating to product safety and quality and controlling any document changes as necessary.

· Monitor food safety, procedural training and associated records and work with other departments to identify training needs and refresher courses as necessary.

· Take an active role during all on site 3rd party audits.

Experience and Skills

Essential

· Food manufacturing environment

· Working knowledge of quality management systems

· Food Hygiene and safety Level 3

· HACCP training ideally to level 3

· Ability to analyse quality performance data and support continuous improvement initiatives

Desirable

· Food safety delivery training experience

· Internal lead auditor experience

· Familiarity with organic and ethical certification standard

Qualities & Attitude

· Works successfully with others and contributes to a joint result.

· 'Can do' attitude, responds well to change.

· Good time keeping and ability to meet deadlines.

· Professional and represents the values of the business.

What We Offer

This role offers excellent scope for development within the Technical and Quality function of the business, as the business grows

Competitive salary 29k - 35k depending on experience, for a 36.5-hour week. After a successful 6-month probation, we may consider a limited hybrid arrangement (up to 1 day per week remote, i.e. 20% max), but the role will remain primarily office-based.

• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Medicash health scheme
• Staff buying co-operative & cycle-to-work scheme
• Contributory pension (4% employer contribution)
• Career development & learning support
• A mission-led, independent workplace committed to doing business the right way

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining why you believe you are a great fit for this role to Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Head of Technical, Head of Operations and the Product Compliance Manager.

Application deadline: Friday 5th December 2025 – early applications are encouraged as they will be reviewed on receipt. We look forward to hearing from you.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £29,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person