QA Inspector

D R Newitt & Associates; Tonbridge and Malling; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday 33 days

Company pension

On-site parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Medicash

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work

Learning & Development

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking a QA Inspector to perform visual, sensory, and technical quality checks across all stages—from raw intake to dispatch—in a busy Tonbridge area hub. You will assess stock against strict specifications to ensure only premium products reach store shelves.

Applicants should have QA experience in fresh produce, food manufacturing, or FMCG, with excellent attention to detail and clear communication. Proficiency in MS Office is advantageous; weekend rota may apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in QA for fresh produce, food manufacturing, or FMCG preferred.
• Excellent eye for detail to identify flaws and uphold quality standards.
• Clear verbal and written communication across production and management teams.
• Strong time management in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual, sensory, and technical quality inspections from raw intake to final dispatch.
• Assess stock against customer specifications to ensure premium quality.
• Identify and report non-conformances to line management and advise on corrective actions.
• Make key technical decisions on product suitability and actions when standards are not met.

Skills

Quality inspections

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

MS Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

QA Inspector / Quality Assurance Auditor

Nr Tonbridge, Kent

Salary: £28,600 per annum

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent (40 hours per week, start times between 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM, including weekend working on a rota)

About the Business

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading UK fresh produce distributor, supplying premium avocados, kiwi, and stone fruit to major retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers nationwide and overseas. Operating from a high-volume hub, they offer strong long-term stability and genuine career growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform visual, sensory, and technical quality inspections across all operational stages, from raw intake through production to final dispatch.
• Assess stock against strict customer specifications, ensuring only premium product reaches store shelves.
• Identify and report any non-conformances or quality issues directly to line management.
• Make key technical decisions regarding product suitability and advise on appropriate corrective actions when standards are not met.

Key Requirements

• Prior experience in Quality Assurance within fresh produce, food manufacturing, or FMCG is essential.
• Excellent eye for detail to spot minor product flaws and ensure precise quality standards.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills to liaise across production and management teams.
• Strong time management skills with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word) is advantageous.

Package & Benefits

• Starting salary of £28,600 per annum
• 33 days holiday allowance (6.6 weeks)
• Company pension scheme and optional share scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme, Medicash, and Life Assurance / Death in Service benefit
• Cycle2Work scheme and structured learning & development programs

Full-Time, Permanent (40 hours per week, start times between 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM, including weekend working on a rota)