Technical Assistant

The Flavour Network; Northampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Northamptonshire is seeking a Technical Assistant to support quality and safety in food production. The successful candidate will be instrumental in maintaining certifications, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement. A solid background in food safety and experience in chilled food handling are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-risk chilled food handling environment.
• Solid understanding of food safety principles.
• Ability to influence and drive positive changes in a QA/technical setting.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance of site certifications.
• Conduct internal audits and manage testing schedules.
• Champion Food Safety Culture across the site.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Overview

The Flavour Network is excited to support a leading food manufacturing company in Northamptonshire with the recruitment of a Technical Assistant. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a technical or quality background in food production who is looking to advance their career in the meat industry. As a Technical Assistant, you will have the chance to make a real impact on quality, safety, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities for the Technical Assistant

• Support the maintenance of site certifications (BRC, Red Tractor, Organic, BMPA)
• Conduct internal audits and manage testing schedules (product, raw material, environmental)
• Assist with updating procedures and processes for compliance and continuous improvement
• Create and maintain product and raw material specifications, including customer templates
• Support legal labelling and technical specification functions
• Monitor GMP, hygiene, and quality standards across the factory, working with production teams
• Investigate quality or technical concerns to root cause and implement corrective actions
• Develop and deliver Quality Action Plans and continuous improvement strategies
• Monitor raw materials to ensure specifications are met
• Conduct and record NPD trials as required
• Support training programmes for food hygiene and factory inductions
• Lead hygiene audits and drive improvements in cleaning standards
• Contribute to supplier approval and management processes
• Prepare and review samples, microbiological swabs, and analytical testing (pH, salt etc.)
• Cover QA tasks and ensure the site maintains an audit-ready Quality Management System
• Champion Food Safety Culture and promote a Quality-first mindset across site

Requirements for the Technical Assistant

• Experience in a high-risk chilled food handling environment
• A solid understanding of food safety principles
• Experience of maintaining and improving technical standards in a factory environment
• Ability to influence and drive positive changes in a QA/technical setting
• Knowledge of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (BRCGS essential, Red Tractor and Organic beneficial)
• Understanding of food labelling, legislation, and product specifications
• Awareness of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Hygiene Practice, and food contamination controls
• Ability to assess and manage risks relating to safety, quality, legality, and authenticity of food
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills