Technical Assistant

Vickerstock; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Cash Plan

Pension Scheme

Employee discount

Free parking

Enhanced maternity benefits

Enhanced paternity benefits

Job summary

Vickerstock is working with a well-established food manufacturing and ingredients business in Belfast, seeking to appoint a Technical Assistant. This role supports food safety, quality, legality, and customer requirements alongside the Technical Manager.

The ideal candidate will have over 2 years' experience in a technical role within the food industry. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety regulations, conducting audits, and liaising with suppliers.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in a similar technical role within the food industry.
• Valid driving licence and access to own car.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation for SALSA and Organic audits.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality and legality requirements.
• Carry out organoleptic testing and shelf-life assessments.
• Collect product samples for microbiological analysis.
• Investigate customer and consumer complaints.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Excel skills

Education

Formal Food Hygiene qualification

Food Science degree

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a well-established food manufacturing and ingredients business seeking to appoint a Technical Assistant to join their technical team based in Belfast.

The business operates across herbs, spices, food ingredients and confectionery, supplying manufacturers, major retailers, wholesalers and the foodservice sector. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical professional to work alongside the Technical Manager, supporting food safety, quality, legality and customer requirements across the business.

What's in it for you?

• Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 depending on experience
• Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5.00pm and Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
• Permanent position
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Pension Scheme
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting preparation for SALSA and Organic audits
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, quality and legality requirements
• Carrying out organoleptic testing and shelf-life assessments
• Collecting product samples for microbiological analysis
• Compiling, checking and approving product specifications
• Completing customer specifications and questionnaires
• Investigating customer and consumer complaints and identifying root causes
• Carrying out internal audits and monitoring corrective actions
• Auditing CCPs, hygiene, GMP and cleaning practices on the production floor
• Ensuring production and quality records are accurate and maintained
• Implementing corrective and preventative actions for non-conformances
• Liaising with suppliers to ensure raw materials, ingredients and packaging meet required standards
• Maintaining product traceability from intake through to finished product
• Training production operatives on quality management system requirements
• Addressing technical issues raised internally

What you'll need

• 2+ years' experience in a similar technical role within the food industry and a food manufacturing/factory environment
• Formal Food Hygiene, Food Science, Regulatory qualification or degree
• Valid driving licence and access to your own car
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Confident, commercially aware and results-driven approach
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Computer literate, including advanced Excel skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Desirable Criteria (it would be great if you have these but don't worry if you don't!)

• Level 3 Food Safety
• Level 3 HACCP
• Previous experience working with retailer standards