Quality Assurance Technician

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Crick; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension and life assurance

Healthcare cashback plan

Maternity/paternity leave

Onsite parking and charging

Canteen and free hot drinks

Pet discounts

Job summary

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to join our technical team in Crick. The role is permanent with a 4 on 4 off 12‑hour shift pattern and average 42 hours per week.

You will perform audits, product composition checks, calibration tasks, and support traceability and non-conformance processes. The ideal candidate has GCSE or equivalent, Health & Safety and Food Hygiene Level 2, HACCP/CCP training, and internal audit experience.

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent standard; numerate and literate.
• Basic Computer literacy for standard office practices.
• Health and Safety - level Two.
• Food hygiene - level Two.
• CCP training including HACCP principles for Manufacturing.
• Internal Audit Process; Understanding and Experience.
• Allergen Awareness; Understanding of risk.
• GMP; Knowledge of techniques.
• Non-conformance reporting techniques.
• Microbiological awareness – understanding of basic food safety.
• Basic weight legislation.
• Basic legal labelling practice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct production line and operator compliance audits.
• Conduct area and paperwork compliance checks, escalating any issues or trends identified.
• Management and investigation of non-conforming materials and products (hold / quarantine process).
• Conduct composition checks on blended kibble finished products to ensure compliance to specification.
• Daily calibration of water activity equipment.
• Management of retained sample storage.
• Carry out NIR analysis on defined raw materials and finished product samples.
• Ensure that a safe working environment exists for all colleagues and that as a minimum the department meets the standards set out in the safety, health and environment policy.
• Collection and collation of product samples (finished product retained / DEFRA samples).
• Conduct goods in checks on packaging deliveries, including raising non-conformance report with supplier where applicable.
• Customer complaint investigations.
• Conduct / support traceability exercises.
• Prepare samples for finished product quality panels.
• Conduct refresher training for operational staff (CCP’s, average weight control).

Skills

Auditing

Quality assurance

NIR analysis

Documentation

Basic lab techniques

Education

GCSE or equivalent

Health & Safety Level 2

Food Hygiene Level 2

CCP/HACCP training

GMP knowledge

Allergen awareness

Internal Audit process experience

Non-conformance reporting

Basic weight legislation

Basic legal labelling practice

Job description

We are looking fora Quality Assurance Technician to join our technical team in Crick. This is a permanent position working an average of 42 hours per week, 4 on 4 off shift.

Role Specifics

• 4 on 4 off shift pattern (12‑hour shifts)
• The 4 on 4 off shift pattern offers predictability, extended rest periods and the ability to plan time outside of work.
• Average working hours of 42 hours per week
• Days (06:00–18:00)
• Day shift - Hourly rate of £16.96 (£15.66 plus shift allowance of £1.30)

Key Accountabilities:

• Conduct production line and operator compliance audits
• Conduct area and paperwork compliance checks, escalating any issues or trends identified
• Management and investigation of non-conforming materials and products (hold / quarantine process)
• Conduct composition checks on blended kibble finished products to ensure compliance to specification
• Daily calibration of water activity equipment
• Management of retained sample storage
• Carry out NIR analysis on defined raw materials and finished product samples
• Ensure that a safe working environment exists for all colleagues and that as a minimum the department meets the standards set out in the safety, health and environment policy

Additional Accountabilities:

• Collection and collation of product samples (finished product retained / DEFRA samples)
• Conduct goods in checks on packaging deliveries, including raising non-conformance report with supplier where applicable
• Customer complaint investigations
• Conduct / support traceability exercises
• Prepare samples for finished product quality panels
• Conduct refresher training for operational staff (CCP’s, average weight control)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• GCSE or equivalent standard; numerate and literate
• Basic Computer literate for standard office practices
• Health and Safety - level Two
• Food hygiene - level Two
• CCP training including HACCP principles for Manufacturing
• Internal Audit Process; Understanding and Experience
• Allergen Awareness; Understanding of risk
• GMP; Knowledge of techniques
• Non-conformance reporting techniques
• Microbiological awareness – understanding of basic food safety
• Basic legal labelling practice
• Basic weight legislation
• Overtime, enhanced pension, life assurance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, sick pay, and holiday buy options
• Healthcare cashback plan and Hertility at‑home fertility testing
• Generous discounts on pet food and lifestyle subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, breakdown cover)
• Retail and gym discounts, electric car scheme, free onsite parking and charging
• Onsite canteen, free hot drinks, and modern facilities

About us

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our family of brands includes Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher's, Classic, Pro-Nutrition, andUltra PremiumDirect, along witha number ofpartner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk,Kinmel, and Crick produce a wide range of dry, wet, and baked foods enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world. Our ambition is simple: to become a global leader in pet nutrition.

Our Purpose: To create happiness

We’reon a mission toseta new standard of workplace happiness within the pet nutrition industry - one that looks like no other and feels like no other. Our culture is built on INSPIRED’s uniquebehavioursand colleague experience, creating an environment that excites, empowers, and puts people and pets at the heart of everything we do.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the colleagues and communities we serve. We believe everyone should feel valued,respectedand able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminateon the basis ofage, disability, genderidentityor expression, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief,sexor sexual orientation. We make hiring decisions based on talent,potentialand the experience you bring.

We’re committed to being an inclusive employer - please speak with us to discuss job share opportunities, particularly if you’re returning to work, balancing family commitments, or exploring flexible ways of working.

We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all. If you need any adjustments or support to take part in our recruitment process, please let us know by emailing [e-mail].