QA Technician

Prima Cheese; Seaham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7

Increasing annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Prima Cheese is recruiting a QA Technician to join the Quality Assurance team. You will perform quality checks during production to ensure our high standards, support continuous compliance, and contribute to Prima's growth.

The role emphasizes teamwork, attention to detail, and timely reporting in a fast-paced environment. You will conduct metal detection, temperature, weight and print checks, support hygiene programmes, and help control chemicals and PPE in the production area.

Qualifications

• Level 2 or 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to achieve it).
• GCSEs or equivalent, including English, Maths and Science.
• Competency with Microsoft Office or similar IT systems for basic reporting and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality assurance checks during production including metal detection, gas, seal and blend checks.
• Monitor and control export production and ensure traceability.
• Perform temperature, weight and print checks; oversee hygiene standards and PPE
• Support clean down procedures and hygiene verifications; conduct ATP and microbiological swabbing
• Assist with calibration schedules and QA shift handover reports; take first action on food safety and quality incidents.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Organised

Communication skills

Education

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

GCSEs including English, Maths, Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 GP access
• Increasing annual leave entitlement based on length of service

About Prima

At Prima, we've spent 30 years building a reputation for quality, service and doing what we say we'll do.

Behind every customer order, delivery and product leaving our sites is a team of passionate people who each bring their own strengths, ideas and personality to the business. From Production and Engineering to Logistics, Sales, Customer Service and People & Culture, everyone plays a part in helping us deliver for our customers across the UK and around the world.

Our success is built on our values of Passion, Respect, Integrity, Motivation and Ambition.

The Role

As we continue to grow, we're looking for a QA Technician to join our Quality Assurance team.

As part of our friendly and experienced quality team, you'll help ensure the highest product standards for our customers. As a QA Technician, your core responsibility is to conduct quality assurance checks during production, supporting continuous compliance and improvement. The work you do will help support our customers, colleagues and wider business, making a real contribution to Prima's continued growth and success.

No two days are quite the same, so we're looking for someone who is a team player, has an eye for detail and works well in a fast-paced environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Conducting metal detection, gas, seal, and blend checks during production
• Support the monitoring and controlling of export production
• Conducting temperature, weight and print checks
• Controlling plasters, knives, and PPE
• Support in control of chemicals, metal and foreign body in production area
• Overseeing of personal hygiene and general policing of production hygiene standards
• Supporting clean down procedures and hygiene verifications
• Conducting ATP and microbiological swabbing and product sample collection
• Supporting traceability and daily/weekly calibrations
• Managing rework and QA shift handover reports
• Taking first action on incidents related to food safety, quality, authenticity, and legality

Shift Pattern - 41 hours per week on a rota

• Day shift (Mon 6:00-14:30; Tue-Fri 6:20-14:30)
• Back shift (Mon-Fri 14:20– 22:30)

About You

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys building positive relationships and wants to make a difference as part of a supportive team. You'll be organised, dependable and able to manage changing priorities whilst maintaining a high standard of work.

You'll ideally have:

• Level 2 or 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate(or willingness to achieve it)
• Basic Health & Safety training (e.g., COSHH, manual handling)
• GCSEs or equivalent, ideally including English, Maths, and Science
• Relevant experience in food production, QA, or technical roles is a plus, even if informal
• Competency with Microsoft Office or similar IT systems for basic reporting and data entry
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Why Join Prima?

• Be part of a business with a proud history and exciting plans for the future.
• Join a team where people genuinely support one another.
• Work in an environment where your contribution is recognised and valued.
• Learn, develop and build your knowledge through training and ongoing support.
• Work alongside passionate people who take pride in what they do.
• Be part of a company that invests in its people, products and customers.

Development & Support

We believe our people are our greatest strength. Whether you're joining us with years of experience or looking to develop your career further, we'll give you the support, training and opportunities to help you succeed.

Our people are key to our success. We're committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment, alongside training and development opportunities to help you grow your career with Prima.

Prima is an inclusive and diverse workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact: [e-mail]

Interested?

We'd love to hear from you.

If you're looking for a role where your contribution matters and you can build a rewarding career as part of a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your skills, experience and personality and Be Part of the Mix.