Quality Assurance Technologist

About the role

You will oversee the implementation and execution of quality assurance procedures across multiple production lines, ensuring that all operational activities comply with established food safety and quality management systems. In this capacity, you will act as a key liaison between production teams and senior management, translating strategic quality objectives into actionable daily protocols. You own the end-to-end monitoring of product integrity, from raw material intake through to final dispatch, identifying deviations and initiating corrective actions promptly. This position requires you to champion a culture of continuous improvement, where data-driven insights drive decision-making and process optimization. You will be responsible for validating cleaning and sanitation processes, verifying that hygiene standards are met consistently across all shifts. You own the coordination of internal audits, ensuring that findings are tracked to closure and that preventive measures are embedded into workflows. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional departments to investigate customer complaints and implement root cause analyses to prevent recurrence. Ultimately, you safeguard the brand's reputation by ensuring that every product released to the market meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Key facts

What you'll do

Perform incoming raw material inspections, verifying supplier certificates of analysis and physical characteristics against predefined specifications.

Conduct in-process monitoring during production runs, recording critical control points and intervening when parameters drift outside acceptable limits.

Execute scheduled environmental monitoring programs, including surface and air sampling, to assess microbial load and hygiene performance.

Review batch production records and laboratory test results, confirming that each lot complies with internal standards and customer requirements.

Coordinate with laboratory staff to schedule and review stability studies, shelf-life assessments, and nutritional analysis as required.

Investigate non-conformances and customer complaints, documenting findings and recommending corrective and preventive actions for implementation.

Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, ensuring documentation is current, accessible, and aligned with regulatory frameworks.

Prepare detailed audit reports and quality metrics dashboards, presenting insights to management for strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Lead or participate in internal audits of the quality management system, assessing compliance with ISO standards and internal protocols.

Collaborate with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure that storage conditions and traceability procedures are maintained throughout the product lifecycle.

Implement risk-based thinking by conducting hazard analyses and prioritizing high-risk areas for enhanced monitoring and controls.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives by benchmarking quality performance against industry best practices and identifying opportunities for optimization.

Assist in the qualification of new equipment and processes, ensuring that validation protocols are followed and results are thoroughly documented.

Serve as a subject matter expert for quality-related queries, providing training and guidance to shop-floor personnel and new hires.

Requirements

Demonstrate a strong educational background in Quality Assurance, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline, with a solid theoretical foundation.

Possess previous experience in a manufacturing quality assurance environment, preferably within the food, bakery, or related sectors.

Hold a valid food safety certification, such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, or equivalent, demonstrating knowledge of international standards.

Show proficiency in using quality management software and electronic laboratory systems to document and track data accurately.

Exhibit meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex specifications and regulatory documentation without error.

Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, ensuring clarity and professionalism in all interactions.

Display strong analytical skills, utilizing statistical tools and methods to interpret data and drive quality improvements.

Commit to upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive company and customer information.

Nice to have

Experience with bakery, pastry, or gelato production processes and understanding of their specific quality challenges.

Familiarity with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles and implementation methodologies.

Knowledge of allergen management and labeling regulations within the UK and European markets.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and report generation.

Understanding of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement frameworks.

Experience with international food safety standards and global market requirements.

Practical notes

This is a permanent full-time position based at the Peterborough location.

Standard working hours apply, with potential for shift work depending on operational needs.

Travel is generally minimal but may be required between facilities for audits or project support.

Relocation support is not indicated in the source materials.

Candidates must meet all regulatory and company-specific requirements as outlined in the role documentation.