Quality Assurance Specialist

Job Role: QA/QC Technician or Food Science Graduate Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 Location: Wednesbury Type: Full-Time / Permanent Overview: Everest People Solutions is seeking either an experienced QA/QC Technician or a Food Science graduate with industry experience for an exciting opportunity with a fast-paced food manufacturer based in Wednesbury. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining product quality and compliance, ensuring hygienic handling of materials, and supporting continuous improvement within the quality and technical departments. Key Responsibilities: Product & Material Handling: Ensure all materials and products are handled in a hygienic environment in line with product specifications, compliance, and food legislation. Hygiene & Housekeeping: Maintain excellent hygiene and housekeeping standards at all times. Quality Assurance: Execute quality duties as outlined by the QA Supervisor, and take part in continuous improvement projects relevant to quality and technical aspects. Product Awareness: Be familiar with specific product requirements and address any product-specific issues as they arise. Audit Support: Assist in customer and 3rd party audits, and maintain familiarity with BRC (British Retail Consortium) standards. Non-Conformance Management: Coordinate actions for non-conforming in-process and finished products, follow up on incidents, and manage customer complaints effectively. Routine Quality Checks: Perform daily, weekly, and monthly quality checks as defined in the QMS (Quality Management System) testing schedule in a timely and accurate manner. Compliance Monitoring: Verify production compliance throughout the QMS and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) systems. Communication & Collaboration: Work closely with the management team and production operatives to drive continuous improvement in standards. Production Presence: Spend approximately 80% of the shift on the production floor. Additional Duties: Conduct hygiene inspections, manage quality certificates and COA (Certificates of Analysis) completion, release products, and complete various audits (fabrication, GMP, glass, hard plastic). Lab Samples & Calibration: Submit laboratory samples and calibrate key equipment as required. Training Support: Assist in training and verification processes within the quality department. Essential Requirements: Attitude & Enthusiasm: A positive, proactive, and team-oriented mindset with the ability to encourage others. Problem Solving: Ability to take responsibility and find appropriate solutions to food safety issues. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels. Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Flexibility: Adaptability in shift patterns and ability to cover absences. Organization: Strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.