Quality Assurance Technologist

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner; Killinchy; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment partner for quality assurance roles is seeking a Quality Assurance Technologist in Killinchy, Northern Ireland. The successful candidate will maintain high food safety and quality standards in a regulated manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include working with production teams, conducting routine inspections, and ensuring compliance with all quality and regulatory standards. Candidates should possess a degree or HND, relevant experience, and excellent attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing or production environment.
• Previous experience working within a Quality Assurance role.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a QA or technical role.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all food preparation and packaging meets quality standards.
• Support and maintain quality and food safety management systems.
• Conduct routine tests and inspections of raw materials and products.
• Lead corrective and preventative actions for non-conformances.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Degree or HND in a relevant subject

GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths

Tools

Quality Management System (QMS)

Job description

Job Title: Quality Assurance Technologist

Location: Killinchy, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Reporting To: Technical Manager / QA Supervisor

Shift Pattern: Monday–Sunday, 5 days per week (rota-based)

Role Purpose

The Quality Assurance Technologist will play a key role in maintaining high food safety and quality standards across daily manufacturing operations. Working closely with production and management teams, you will ensure products are prepared, processed, and packed in line with internal standards, customer requirements, and food safety legislation.

This is a hands‑on, site‑based role suited to someone with a strong eye for detail and experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with Production Supervisors and teams to ensure all food preparation, portioning, and packing activities meet agreed quality and food safety standards.
• Promote a strong food safety and quality culture across all areas of production.
• Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of quality and food safety management systems.
• Lead and support corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs), including root cause investigations where non-conformances are identified.
• Carry out routine testing and inspection of raw materials and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Ensure all quality and production documentation is completed accurately and maintained in line with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Conduct routine calibration and verification of monitoring equipment, including temperature probes and weighing equipment.
• Supervise and verify hygiene and sanitation activities, including ATP testing and environmental swabbing.
• Complete internal audits covering GMP, hygiene, glass and hard plastic control, and other QMS requirements.
• Monitor product weights, temperatures, and gas levels to ensure compliance with specifications and legal standards.
• Ensure adherence to procedures relating to personal hygiene, allergen control, foreign body prevention, labelling, and traceability.
• Support customer and third‑party audits, providing documentation and operational support as required.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in support of departmental and business objectives.
• Make timely and effective decisions appropriate to the role.
• Use available data and information to identify issues, elevate where required, and support practical solutions.
• Actively contribute ideas to improve quality, food safety, and operational standards.
• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives within the Quality function.
• Take responsibility for identifying personal training and development needs.
• Engage with performance reviews and development planning processes.

Person Specification

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing or production environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail, particularly relating to food safety and hygiene
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Previous experience working within a Quality Assurance role
• Experience maintaining and reporting within a Quality Management System (QMS)
• Degree or HND in a relevant subject
• Food manufacturing or FMCG experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a QA or technical role