Quality Assurance Advisor

pladis Global; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry is seeking a Quality Assurance Advisor for their Carlisle factory. The role involves overseeing QA and Food Safety compliance, managing audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Ideal candidates will have relevant food safety qualifications and experience in quality management within FMCG environments.

Benefits

Annual Incentive Plan

Health Cash Plan

Private Medical Insurance

Stakeholder Pension Scheme

Life Assurance Cover

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Holiday Enhancement Scheme

Volunteering Day

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing HACCP systems in FMCG environments.
• Strong practical experience in quality roles.
• Confident in using IT systems for quality processes.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage Quality and Food Safety systems.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Deliver training on QA and Food Safety.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Food Safety

HACCP

Communication

Teamwork

Education

HND in Food or Science

Level 4 Food Safety Certification

HACCP Certification

Formal Auditing Qualification

Job description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Advisor

Location: Carlisle

Hiring Manager: Emma Deakin

Working Patten: Days Mon-Fri

What will this role achieve?

Based at our Carlisle factory and reporting to the Site Compliance Manager, the Quality Assurance (QA) Advisor plays a vital role in supporting the site with expertise in QA, Food Safety, Pest Control, and Process Integrity. This role is responsible for implementing pladis Central QA and Food Safety policies, driving continuous improvement, and managing the site’s Quality and Food Safety systems. The QA Advisor oversees internal audit programmes, supports complaint and incident management, and ensures compliance with legal, pladis, retailer, and other external standards.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Quality & Food Safety Leadership: Provide expert advice and support on QA and Food Safety matters, ensuring compliance with group policies and maintaining high standards across the site.
• System Management & Continuous Improvement: Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Quality and Food Safety management systems, including HACCP and SOP approvals.
• Audit & Compliance Oversight: Coordinate and support internal and external audits, monitor policy implementation, and drive resolution of non-conformances to ensure site-wide compliance.
• Training & Communication: Deliver QA and Food Safety training, contribute to specification reviews, and report on performance metrics to promote a culture of Everyday Quality.
• Vendor & Crisis Management: Oversee vendor performance to ensure raw material standards, and support Crisis Incident Management through risk assessments and reporting.

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Qualifications & Training: Holds a Food or Science-based HND, Level 4 Food Safety and HACCP certifications, and ideally a formal auditing qualification.
• Quality & HACCP Experience: Demonstrates strong practical experience in quality roles, including managing HACCP systems and working within FMCG environments.
• Technical & IT Skills: Confident in using IT systems and tools to support quality and compliance processes.
• Teamwork & Communication: Experienced in cross-functional collaboration with excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Influence & Leadership: Skilled at engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels to drive quality and food safety standards.

Desirable

• Food or science based degree
• IOSHH Managing Safety

pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• 25 days + bank holidays
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
• Access to great training and development opportunities

Our Values

Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.

Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.