My Client is a local family-run business that has been operating in the food manufacturing sector for over 50 years. We are recruiting a Stock & Food Safety Controller to join our team at our site in Chelmsford.
This is a hands-on role within a chilled food production environment where stock control, product integrity, food safety, hygiene, and traceability are critical to daily operations. The Stock Controller will play an important role in ensuring products are stored, rotated, handled, and moved safely while maintaining strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
The successful candidate will be responsible not only for stock accuracy and product flow, but also for supporting a culture of food safety awareness, contamination prevention, and regulatory compliance across the department.
Key Responsibilities
Stock Control & Operational Duties
- Accurately count, record, and monitor stock levels across departments
- Conduct regular stock takes and investigate stock discrepancies
- Manage stock rotation using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles to maintain product freshness, quality, and shelf-life control
- Manage product flow into and within the department to ensure efficiency and reduce waste
- Support loading, unloading, and movement of stock within chilled storage and production areas
- Maintain accurate stock records to support traceability, audits, and operational planning
- Assist with identifying damaged, missing, or non-conforming stock and report issues promptly
Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance
- Ensure all products are stored, handled, and transported in line with food safety, hygiene, quality, and traceability requirements
- Maintain product integrity by supporting temperature control procedures within chilled environments
- Follow strict hygiene and housekeeping standards to minimise contamination risks and maintain a clean, organised workspace
- Support compliance with HACCP procedures, food safety policies, and site quality standards
- Identify, escalate, and report any food safety risks, contamination concerns, damaged packaging, or quality issues
- Support internal audits, stock traceability checks, and compliance inspections where required
- Ensure stock movement and storage practices align with company procedures and food safety regulations
- Promote a proactive food safety mindset and good housekeeping across the department
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in stock control, warehouse, stores, logistics, or food production would be advantageous
- Experience working in a food manufacturing, chilled storage, FMCG, or regulated production environment is highly desirable
- Good understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, stock traceability, contamination prevention, and stock rotation principles
- Knowledge of HACCP, temperature-controlled storage, or quality assurance processes would be beneficial
- Strong numeracy and attention to detail for stock counting, record keeping, and compliance documentation
- Ability to work safely and efficiently in a chilled environment involving manual handling
- A forklift licence would be an advantage, as stock may need to be loaded onto vehicles; however, training can be arranged for the successful candidate
- Hard-working, conscientious, and reliable with a strong attention to detail
- Able to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced production environment
- Positive attitude and commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and operational excellence