Quality Assurance Specialist
*Annual Salary: £35k-£40k
*Location: Cambridgeshire
*Job Type: Full-time
*Hours: 8-4 / 08:30-4:30 Monday-Friday
We are seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure the consistent application of quality and food safety standards across our production processes. This role involves conducting technical inspections, testing, and process monitoring to maintain product quality. You will support the Quality Compliance Officer and Head of Quality in maintaining site compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and food safety systems.
Day-to-day of the role:
*Support the monitoring of compliance with HACCP, GMP, SOPs, and other regulatory requirements.
*Accurately complete quality documentation, records, and traceability logs related to QA activities.
*Update packaging specifications for existing products involving minor approved changes, ensuring document control and regulatory compliance.
*Create new product labels and coordinate customer approval prior to release to ensure labelling compliance.
*Analyse microbiological data, trend micro-analysis results, and initiate retesting and further investigation when required.
*Map and trend rapid swab (environmental/ATP) results, investigate failures, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
*Complete process capability studies (weight) annually to evaluate and improve manufacturing process performance.
*Complete annual validation protocols, issue them to the QA team, and monitor and follow up on results.
*Support new product launches and process improvements, ensuring quality standards are embedded from the start.
*Guide the quality team in technical QA tasks and best practices.
*Promote a proactive food safety and quality culture within the production environment.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
*3-5 years’ experience in QA/food safety roles in a food manufacturing environment or a degree in Food Technology or related discipline.
*Strong knowledge of BRCGS or other food safety management systems.
*Hands-on experience with inspection, sampling, and testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products.
*Practical experience implementing HACCP, GMP, SOP’s, and regulatory requirements.
*Experience in internal auditing, documentation, record-keeping, and traceability.
*Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately monitor compliance.
*Good communication skills for working with production, QA teams, and suppliers.
Desirable Skills:
*Food safety training, such as Level 3 HACCP, GMP courses, or equivalent.
*Experience in analysing microbiological data and supporting investigations or corrective actions.
*Familiarity with validation protocols, process capability studies, and follow-up of results.
*Familiarity with labelling compliance, packaging specification updates, and customer approvals.
*Experience using quality management systems (QMS) or ERP software.
*Experience supporting supplier management, including maintaining approved supplier records, specifications, and certifications.
*Prior work in new product launches or process improvement initiatives.
*Exposure to shift work or flexible scheduling in a production environment.
Benefits:
*Competitive salary and benefits package.
*Opportunities for professional growth and development.
*Supportive and collaborative work environment.