QA Assistant, QA Assistant

Pilgrim's Europe; Greater Lincolnshire; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe in Spalding is seeking a detail-focused QA to join our Technical team and maintain high standards across our production environment.

This hands-on, factory-based role ensures the site remains audit-ready while driving food safety, quality, and compliance. You will link Technical and Production, supporting day-to-day operations and upholding all standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a QA or food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality, and compliance standards.
• Good attention to detail and ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident communicator, able to challenge and support production teams.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
• Knowledge of meat or food production processes.
• Experience with internal audits and sampling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the site remains audit ready at all times.
• Carry out product inspections and temperature checks.
• Complete verifications and validations of QMS procedures.
• Generate and monitor compliance KPIs.
• Maintain QA documentation and records accurately.
• Conduct internal audits in line with schedule.
• Complete micro sampling, swabbing, and shelf-life testing where required.
• Carry out daily checks and calibrations of equipment.
• Support and participate in external audits.
• Act as the first point of contact for production-related quality issues.
• Work closely with Production teams to embed best practice.

Skills

QA experience

Food safety

Attention to detail

Communication

MS Office

Meat production knowledge

Auditing experience

Job description

About The Role

We are looking for a detail-focused QA to join our Technical team at Spalding and play a key role in maintaining high standards across our production environment.

This is a hands-on, factory-based role focused on ensuring the site is always audit ready, while driving best practice in food safety, quality, and compliance. You will act as a key link between Technical and Production, supporting day-to-day operations and ensuring all standards are consistently met.

• Ensure the site remains audit ready at all times
• Carry out product inspections and temperature checks
• Complete verifications and validations of QMS procedures
• Generate and monitor compliance KPIs
• Maintain QA documentation and records accurately
• Conduct internal audits in line with schedule
• Complete micro sampling, swabbing, and shelf-life testing where required
• Carry out daily checks and calibrations of equipment
• Support and participate in external audits
• Act as the first point of contact for production-related quality issues
• Work closely with Production teams to embed best practice
• Build strong relationships with operational teams, vets (OVs), and inspectors
• Drive standards in food safety, quality, and legality on the factory floor
• Support departmental objectives and improvement projects
• Identify risks and escalation of any concerns relating to food safety or quality
• Work collaboratively across teams and with other sites when required

Location: Spalding

Department: Technical

Reports to: QA Manager

About The Role

We are looking for a detail-focused QA to join our Technical team at Spalding and play a key role in maintaining high standards across our production environment.

This is a hands-on, factory-based role focused on ensuring the site is always audit ready, while driving best practice in food safety, quality, and compliance. You will act as a key link between Technical and Production, supporting day-to-day operations and ensuring all standards are consistently met.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Ensure the site remains audit ready at all times
• Carry out product inspections and temperature checks
• Complete verifications and validations of QMS procedures
• Generate and monitor compliance KPIs
• Maintain QA documentation and records accurately
• Conduct internal audits in line with schedule
• Complete micro sampling, swabbing, and shelf-life testing where required
• Carry out daily checks and calibrations of equipment
• Support and participate in external audits
• Act as the first point of contact for production-related quality issues
• Work closely with Production teams to embed best practice
• Build strong relationships with operational teams, vets (OVs), and inspectors
• Drive standards in food safety, quality, and legality on the factory floor
• Support departmental objectives and improvement projects
• Identify risks and escalation of any concerns relating to food safety or quality
• Work collaboratively across teams and with other sites when required

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a QA or food manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality, and compliance standards
• Good attention to detail and ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment
• Confident communicator, able to challenge and support production teams
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
• Knowledge of meat or food production processes
• Experience with internal audits and sampling procedures

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Takes ownership of standards and compliance
• Has a proactive approach to maintaining food safety and quality
• Is confident working on the factory floor and engaging with teams
• Supports a culture where quality and food safety are everyone’s responsibility

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a critical function that directly impacts product quality and safety
• Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment
• Opportunity to develop your career within Technical / QA
• Work with experienced teams and build strong cross-functional relationships
• Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards across the site
• Join a business that values quality, compliance, and continuous improvement