Shift Quality Lead

Biscuit International; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Biscuit International UK is seeking a proactive Shift Quality Lead for our Gateshead site to ensure finished products meet customer specs, food safety standards and regulatory requirements. You will audit production processes, manage quality checks and support internal audits while partnering with Production to drive compliance and continuous improvement across the factory.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will work with the Technical team to maintain traceability, document results and

Qualifications

• Experience in a food manufacturing QA/Technical role.
• Strong attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct GMP audits and maintain audit records.
• Verify moisture, water activity, metal detector, and packaging compliance.
• Lead internal audits and support CCP verification and corrective actions.
• Provide coaching on food safety/quality standards to production teams.
• Maintain quality records and documentation updates.

Skills

Attention to detail

Numerical skills

Written communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Quality improvement

Education

Right to work in United Kingdom

Basic level of English language understanding

Job description

Shift Quality Lead

Location: Gateshead Team Valley, UK
Reports to: Quality Manager
Direct Reports: N/A

Biscuit International UK is the leading specialist supplier of own-label gluten‑free biscuits and cookies in the United Kingdom. Located in Gateshead, our production facility operates three lines, with an annual output exceeding 4,300 tonnes annually in plain, chocolate, and sandwich biscuit formats. We are part of Biscuit International, Europe’s leading private label biscuit and bread substitute manufacturer, with a rich heritage of over 400 years of expertise in delivering excellent taste at great value.

We're looking for a proactive and detail‑focused Shift Quality Lead to join our Technical team at our Gateshead site.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, this role is responsible for ensuring finished products meet customer specifications, food safety standards and legal requirements. You'll play a key role in auditing production processes, managing quality checks, supporting internal audits and working closely with Production teams to drive compliance and continuous improvement across the factory.

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Food Safety Compliance

• Conduct process audits against company standards and procedures
• Complete moisture, water activity and product colour measurements
• Verify coding checks, barcodes, labels and packaging compliance
• Audit metal detector and checkweigher verification processes
• Complete organoleptic assessments against product specifications
• Conduct allergen swabbing and line clearance verification activities
• Collect and manage samples for allergen and microbiological testing
• Manage non‑conforming product in accordance with company procedures

Auditing & Verification

• Conduct GMP audits in line with the audit schedule
• Complete paperwork and documentation audits
• Carry out glass, hard plastic and hygiene audits
• Support traceability exercises and customer audits
• Conduct internal systems audits and identify non‑conformances
• Support CCP verification and competency assessments

Production Support & Continuous Improvement

• Work collaboratively with Production teams to identify and mitigate quality risks
• Provide coaching and guidance on food safety and quality standards
• Support allergen validations and hygiene inspections
• Assist with corrective actions and continuous improvement activities
• Support training initiatives relating to food safety and quality compliance

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete all quality records accurately and on time
• Maintain internal compliance trackers and audit records
• Support procedure, work instruction and documentation updates
• Ensure full compliance with traceability and allergen control procedures

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within a food manufacturing environment
• Experience working within Quality Assurance, Food Safety or Technical functions
• Strong attention to detail and high standards of accuracy
• Good numerical and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Confident challenging standards and escalating risks where appropriate
• Flexible approach to work and problem solving

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Right to work in the United Kingdom
• Basic level of English language understanding

Desirable

• Food manufacturing experience
• Food handling experience
• Quality Assurance experience
• Level 2 Food Safety
• Level 2 Health & Safety
• Manual Handling training

Why Join Us?

At Biscuit International UK, you'll play a vital role in maintaining the high food safety and quality standards our customers expect. You'll join a supportive Technical team with opportunities to develop your skills, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and build a long‑term career within a leading European food manufacturing business.

Our Commitment

In our hiring practices, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and success. We adhere to fair hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of their background.

We are committed to protecting your personal data. Details of how we collect, use and store personal information during the recruitment process are set out in our Job Applicants’ Privacy Notice, available here:

https://www.biscuitinternational.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Job-Applicants-Privacy-Notice_UK.pdf