Overview
Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist – Location: Sunderland. Job Type: Full-time. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with QMS, HACCP, and Food Safety Legislation. You will be instrumental in maintaining our standards and supporting our production processes.
Responsibilities
Day-to-day of the role:
- Conduct daily Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) checks, covering and reviewing production paperwork.
- Perform routine audits including Glass, Foreign Bodies, Internal audits, and paperwork related to HACCP and GMP.
- Complete quality checks on intake and finished products.
- Support investigations into non-conformances under the direction of the Technical Manager.
- Take responsibility for conducting hand swabbing and machinery swabbing.
- Assist the production and technical teams as needed.
- Raise internal non-conformances for repeat issues or significant food safety breaches.
- Follow up on products placed on hold and collaborate with the production team to resolve issues.
- Challenge non-adherence to procedures and ensure compliance.
- Conduct daily microbial checks against submissions to identify issues.
- Support quality control checks on the production line.
- Calibrate probes and other necessary equipment as directed by the Technical Manager.
- Perform checks such as Goods In, Temperature, and Stock Checks on fridges.
- Address day-to-day quality concerns and support customer audits by providing necessary documentation and preparation.
- Participate in taste panels and monitor the safety, legality, and quality of products produced.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification (training may be required).
- Awareness of HACCP principles.
- Experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry.
- High attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Strong communication skills, able to interact effectively with all levels of the business in a respectful and professional manner.
Additional Duties
- Assist with training and development of team members.
- Ensure effective communication within the team.
- Undertake additional responsibilities as required.
- Meet agreed KPIs and promote participation in Food Safety Culture.
- Provide cover for team members during annual leave or sickness, demonstrating flexibility and support.