QA Technologist (12 -14 Months FTC)

Kandhu Recruitment Ltd; Aylesford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Quality Technologist for a full-time, 12-14 month maternity cover role in Aylesford, Kent. The successful candidate will ensure product quality and compliance through testing, documentation control, and auditing. Ideal for those with at least 2 years of experience in the food industry, looking for an opportunity in a growing and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Quality/Technical standards (GFSI or similar) within the food industry.
• At least 2 years' experience in a relevant role in food or supplement manufacturing.
• Experience managing non-conformances or complaints is beneficial.
• Awareness of microbiological principles is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine sampling, testing, reporting, and release of products.
• Highlight analytical failures and contribute to investigations.
• Coordinate concessions and urgent orders with customer support.
• Conduct GMP and hygiene audits.
• Support validation activities like allergen and shelf-life studies.
• Verify batch paperwork and labels for production.

Skills

Quality/Technical standards knowledge

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Proactive and flexible approach

Job description

Quality Technologist (Full-Time - 12-14 Month Maternity Cover)

Location: Aylesford, Kent (On-Site)

The Opportunity

An established and fast-growing manufacturer within the food and nutrition sector is seeking a diligent Quality Technologist to support core quality operations across testing, documentation, audits, and compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected business known for its high standards, strong technical focus, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Highlights

• Full-time, on-site role based in Aylesford, Kent
• 12-14 month maternity cover contract
• Broad exposure to quality systems within a modern manufacturing environment
• Excellent opportunity for professional growth and development

The Quality Technologist Role

As Quality Technologist, you will help ensure the consistent quality, safety, and compliance of products through the support of daily testing, documentation control, internal auditing, and site monitoring activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine sampling, testing, reporting, and release of raw materials and finished products
• Highlight analytical failures (OOS results) and contribute to investigations
• Coordinate concessions, pre‑shipment samples, and urgent orders with customer support
• Carry out GMP and hygiene audits, environmental and allergen monitoring
• Support validation activities such as allergen, homogeneity, cleaning, and shelf‑life studies
• Conduct pre‑requisite checks including temperature and humidity monitoring
• Verify batch paperwork and labels for production
• Collate and review analysis data for product release
• Issue Certificates of Analysis to customers
• Coordinate testing with internal and external laboratories
• Assist production teams with quality or process‑related issues

About You

We are looking for an organised and proactive individual with a strong interest in quality and food safety.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Quality/Technical standards used within the food industry (GFSI or similar)
• At least 2 years' experience in a Quality, Technical, or similar role in food or supplement manufacturing/distribution
• Experience managing non‑conformances or complaints (beneficial)
• Awareness of microbiological principles (advantageous but not essential)
• Strong communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skills
• A positive, flexible, and collaborative approach

Interested? If you are a motivated Quality Technologist seeking your next step within a growing and supportive manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more.