QA Technician – Food Manufacturing

Welsh Lady Preserves
QA Technician – Food Manufacturing
Job Overview
Welsh Lady Preserves is an established, family-run food manufacturer based on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. We manufacture a wide range of preserves, including jams, marmalades, curds, chutneys, sauces and mustards for our own brands and for retail and food-service customers.
We operate to high food safety and quality standards and are certified to BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9.
We are looking for a practical, conscientious and confident QA Technician to join our team and support the day-to-day operation of our food safety and quality management systems.
The Role
This is a hands-on QA position working closely with production, packing, warehouse and management personnel.
You will spend time both on the factory floor and completing the associated quality documentation and records.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Carrying out routine QA and food safety checks throughout production and packing.
* Verifying compliance with HACCP, food safety, quality and GMP requirements.
* Completing GMP and hygiene inspections.
* Monitoring and verifying process controls and associated records.
* Carrying out and recording metal detector checks and other critical food safety controls.
* Supporting allergen controls, cleaning verification and pre-production inspections.
* Reviewing production and packing documentation for completeness and accuracy.
* Supporting traceability exercises, mass-balance checks and product recall testing.
* Assisting with the investigation of non-conformances and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
* Supporting internal audits and following up actions identified.
* Assisting with equipment calibration and verification activities.
* Monitoring compliance with raw material, packaging and finished product specifications.
* Supporting environmental monitoring, microbiological sampling and laboratory testing programmes.
* Maintaining accurate QA records.
* Supporting customer, certification and third-party audits, including BRCGS.
* Promoting high standards of food safety, quality, hygiene and good manufacturing practice throughout the site.
About You
We are looking for someone who is methodical, observant and comfortable working directly with production personnel.
Essential:
* Previous QA/QC or technical experience within food manufacturing or a closely related food production environment.
* Good understanding of food hygiene and GMP.
* Strong attention to detail.
* Good written and verbal communication skills.
* Confidence in identifying and raising food safety or quality concerns.
* Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
* Competent IT skills.
Desirable:
Experience of working within a BRCGS-certified food manufacturing site.
HACCP qualification or practical HACCP experience.
Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
Internal auditing experience or qualification.
Experience of traceability and mass-balance exercises.
Experience investigating non-conformances and implementing corrective actions.
Experience of allergen management and cleaning verification.
Experience of microbiological or environmental monitoring programmes.
Training can be provided for the right candidate. We are particularly interested in finding someone with the right practical approach, attention to detail and willingness to learn.
What We Offer
Permanent, full-time employment.
Salary of £32,000–£35,000, depending on experience.
Training and development in food safety, HACCP, auditing and BRCGS requirements.
Opportunity to become closely involved in the technical and quality systems of an established food manufacturer.
A varied role where you can have a direct impact on food safety and product quality.
Workplace pension.
28 days' annual holiday entitlement, including bank holidays.
Location
The position is based at Welsh Lady Preserves Ltd, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, North Wales.
Applicants should be able to commute reliably to the site.
Welsh Lady Preserves Ltd is an equal opportunities employer