Quality Assurance Specialist

BAE Systems; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An award-winning food manufacturer is seeking a Technical Assistant to ensure quality management standards are upheld. The role involves gathering microbiological samples, conducting audits, and supporting quality panels. Ideal candidates will have a background in QA/QC, IT skills, and excellent communication abilities. Working alongside production teams, you will help address issues with raw materials and finished products. This position offers a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact product quality and customer satisfaction.

Benefits

Work for a business that values innovation and high standards

Be part of a team impacting product quality

Learn and grow with support from experienced professionals

Enjoy variety in a fast-paced role

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic quality management systems is essential.
• Experience in QA/QC is a must.
• IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, are necessary.
• Strong attention to detail and great communication skills are vital.

Responsibilities

• Gather and prepare microbiological samples and tests.
• Support taste panels for product quality.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure paperwork accuracy.
• Assist with customer complaint investigations.
• Perform calibration checks and CCP verification.
• Complete traceability audits and temperature checks.
• Support technical projects and improvements.

Skills

Knowledge of basic quality management systems

Experience in QA/QC

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Attention to detail

Great communication skills

Job description

Job Description

My client is award‑winning food manufacturer and is looking for a Technical Assistant to join their passionate team and help keep quality at the very heart of food innovation. Working closely with the Technical Manager, you will be key in maintaining and enhancing quality management standards across every stage of production, from raw materials to the finished products leaving the factory.

• Gathering and preparing microbiological samples, swabs, and water tests – retesting where needed.
• Supporting taste panels to keep products consistently top‑notch.
• Following up on raw material and finished goods issues, ensuring timely decisions are made.
• Carrying out internal audits (GMP, fabrication) and monitoring paperwork for accuracy.
• Assisting with customer complaint investigations and reporting findings.
• Performing calibration checks and CCP verification/validation.
• Completing traceability audits and temperature checks.
• Supporting technical projects and improvements across the site.

On top of that, the role will involve working closely with production teams to audit processes, spot issues, and ensure corrective actions are taken quickly. There is also direct involvement in monitoring and managing problematic ingredients, liaising with suppliers, and logging non‑conformances.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic quality management systems.
• Experience in QA/QC.
• IT skills (Microsoft Office) and strong attention to detail.
• Great communication skills with the confidence to work closely with factory floor teams.

Benefits

• Work for a business that values innovation, collaboration, and high standards.
• Be part of a team where your work directly impacts product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Learn and grow with support from experienced technical professionals.
• Enjoy variety – no two days are the same in this fast‑paced, hands‑on role.