Quality Control Operative

The role of the QC Operative is to support the Technical and Quality function in ensuring that all products meet the company's required quality, food safety, and compliance standards throughout the manufacturing process. The role involves carrying out routine quality control testing, completing accurate documentation, monitoring standards on the production floor, and promptly identifying and escalating any quality, food safety, or GMP concerns. A strong attention to detail, good record\-keeping skills, and the ability to work effectively with the Production and Technical teams are essential. Compliance with Health \& Safety, HACCP, GMP and BRCGS requirements is a critical part of the role.

Accountable to: Technical Manager / Head of Technical

1\. Principal Accountabilities and Activities:

• Conduct Quality Control Testing: Carry out routine physical, chemical and organoleptics quality control checks and testing in accordance with approved procedures, specifications and the QC schedule.


• Monitor Product Quality: Perform quality checks and product testing at relevant stages of production to verify that products meet approved specifications and quality standards.


• Record and Review Results: Accurately record QC results, production data and test results, ensuring all information is complete, legible, timely and traceable to the relevant product and batch.


• Identify and Challenge Deviations: Proactively identify and appropriately challenge abnormalities, deviations from GMP, quality issues or conditions that could compromise product safety or quality.


• Escalate Non\-Conformances: Immediately report out\-of\-specification results, non\-conformances, equipment faults, hygiene concerns or other quality and food safety issues to the appropriate member of the Technical or Production team.


• Complete Production and QC Documentation: Prepare, print and maintain QC worksheets, batch records, production documents, labels, certificates, specifications and other controlled technical documentation as required.


• Conduct Shop\-Floor Checks: Maintain a regular presence on the production floor and carry out checks to ensure compliance with agreed quality, food safety, hygiene, GMP and process requirements.


• Support Investigations: Assist the Technical team with investigations into quality issues, customer complaints, non\-conformances and deviations by providing accurate testing results, records and relevant information.


• Support Product Specifications: Assist with the maintenance and review of product specifications and associated technical information, ensuring QC testing is carried out against the current approved requirements.


• Laboratory and Equipment Checks: Carry out routine checks and verification of QC and laboratory equipment, including pH meters, balances, titration equipment and other testing equipment.


• Calibration and Maintenance: Support routine calibration, verification, cleaning and basic maintenance of QC equipment and promptly report any equipment faults or concerns.


• Sampling and External Testing: Take, prepare, label and dispatch samples for external laboratory testing as required, ensuring correct identification and traceability.


• Maintain Documentation: Maintain organised electronic and paper\-based QC records and ensure documentation is completed and filed correctly.


• Support the QMS: Assist the Technical team with the implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System and provide information required for customer, supplier and internal quality queries.


• Work with Production: Communicate quality requirements and concerns effectively with Production staff and Section Leads, supporting the prompt resolution of issues identified during production.


• Continuous Improvement: Participate in quality, food safety, GMP and continuous improvement activities and raise opportunities for improving processes, reducing waste and maintaining product consistency.


• Health \& Safety Compliance: Ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with company Health \& Safety, COSHH and other relevant workplace requirements, reporting accidents, near misses and hazards promptly.


• Maintain Hygiene and Housekeeping: Maintain high standards of personal hygiene, laboratory cleanliness, housekeeping and organisation within QC and production areas.


• Audit and Inspection Support: Participate in internal audits, inspections, customer visits and certification audits when required, providing accurate records and supporting evidence.


• Follow Company Procedures: Ensure all duties are carried out in accordance with company procedures, HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, food safety, quality, Health \& Safety and environmental requirements.

• Good computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office


• Previous experience in a quality control, quality assurance, laboratory or food manufacturing environment is desirable.


• Experience of routine product testing or laboratory analysis would be advantageous.


• A relevant qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline is desirable.


• Basic understanding of HACCP, GMP, food safety and quality management principles.


• Familiarity with BRCGS requirements would be advantageous.


• Ability to accurately follow written procedures, specifications and approved testing methods.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider Technical and Production team.


• Willingness and confidence to identify, challenge and escalate quality or food safety concerns.


• Ability to work in a fast\-paced food manufacturing environment and manage competing priorities.

• Food Safety and Quality: Good understanding of food safety, quality control, BRCGS standards, hygiene and food manufacturing principles.


• GMP Knowledge: Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices and the importance of maintaining GMP standards throughout production.


• Quality Control Testing: Ability to carry out routine QC testing accurately and consistently.


• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail when carrying out testing, recording results and completing documentation.


• Numeracy and Data Accuracy: Good numeracy skills and the ability to accurately record, interpret and compare test results against approved specifications.


• Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication skills, with the confidence to raise quality and food safety concerns with Production and Technical colleagues.


• Problem\-Solving: Ability to recognise abnormalities and potential quality issues and provide accurate information to support investigations and corrective actions.


• Organisation: Strong organisational and time\-management skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and complete tasks within required timescales.


• Computer Skills: Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and electronic record\-keeping systems.


• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with Technical, Production, Operations and other departments.


• Reliability and Integrity: High level of personal responsibility, reliability and integrity, with a commitment to following procedures and maintaining product quality.


• Willingness to Learn: Positive attitude towards learning new testing methods, equipment, processes and technical requirements.


• Quality Mindset: Proactive approach to maintaining high standards and preventing quality and food safety issues rather than simply identifying them after they occur.

All employees have a responsibility to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, as well as that of others who may be affected by their actions. The company's Health \& Safety policy is outlined in the employee handbook, and strict adherence to these policies is required.

Employees are also responsible for ensuring that they comply with all relevant company policies and procedures relating to food safety, quality, hygiene, GMP, HACCP, BRCGS, COSHH, environmental requirements and any other applicable legislation or company standards.

NOTE:

This Job Description is not exhaustive and may include other duties of a similar nature as required by the business. Any significant and permanent changes to responsibilities will be reflected in an updated Job Description.

Job Type: Full\-time

Pay: From £28,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension


• Free parking


• On\-site parking

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