Quality Assurance Assistant

**Do you have a passion for quality? Are you process focused? Are you looking for a better work life balance? Would you like a 4 day working week?**

**Come and join us at Kirsty’s, the friendliest factory around**

**About Us**

Kirsty’s is a rapidly growing food manufacturing business, trading over multiple categories within the chilled & frozen fixtures supplying all major retailers.

In a relatively modest factory, we can produce up to 100,000 meals a week and we need reliable and committed individuals to join our diverse team

Our culture is built on respect, teamwork, ambition and excellence, if you think you represent these values then we would love to hear from you

**Overview**

**Food Safety and Quality Control**:

- Conduct regular inspections of the production process to ensure compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., Glass and Plastics, GMP, Hygiene, Fabrication).
- Ensure that products meet quality specifications, including taste, texture, appearance, and shelf-life.
- Prepare and conduct weekly taste panels and collate information to support quality goals and KPIs.
- Understand and follow lab testing schedule and prepare samples for testing. Complete swabbing/allergen testing when required.
- Support operations in ensuring stock is rotated effectively and alert production managers of materials that are out of date/ or coming towards end of life.
- Monitor product weights, temperatures, and other key metrics.
- Perform microbiological and chemical testing on products, raw materials, and packaging.
- Maintain and calibrate testing equipment

**Compliance and Documentation**:

- Ensure compliance with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, BRC etc.) and maintain up-to-date documentation.
- Develop, implement, and review quality management systems (QMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain records of all quality assurance checks, audits, and product testing results.

**Internal Audits and Continuous Improvement**:

- Conduct internal audits to identify areas of improvement in the manufacturing process.
- Work with cross-functional teams (production, R&D, procurement) to implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives in food safety, hygiene, and overall product quality.

**Training and Development**:

- Train production staff on quality standards, hygiene practices, and safe food handling techniques.
- Raise awareness of food safety regulations and best practices across the workforce.

**Incident Management**:

- Investigate customer complaints, product non-conformance, and incidents of food contamination.
- Implement root cause analysis (RCA) to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Assist in product recalls if necessary and handle communication with regulatory authorities.

**Supplier and Raw Material Management**:

- Conduct quality assessments of raw materials from suppliers.
- Ensure suppliers adhere to food safety standards and specifications.
- Conduct audits of suppliers and third-party manufacturers as required.

**Qualifications**
- 2 Years experience in a quality assurance role
- Level 3 in Food Safety
- Knowledge of quality assurance principles, including HACCP, Pre-requisites, GMP, Auditing, Traceability, NCR's
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate data effectively
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,500.00-£36,500.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- No weekends

Application question(s):

- Can you commit to 4 x 12 hour shifts a week?
- Do you have a Driving Licence and access to a vehicle? There is no public transport to site so your own transport is essential

**Experience**:

- Quality assurance: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person