Quality Technician (QT)

Quality Technician

Location

Gateshead

Job Type

Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for a Quality Technician to join a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring that all products and processes meet food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. The successful candidate will support production teams through coaching, monitoring, testing, auditing, and compliance activities while maintaining accurate records and driving continuous improvement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct finished product testing, including microbiological, gluten, shelf-life, and nutritional analysis.
• Perform environmental and food contact surface swabbing.
• Carry out Critical Control Point (CCP) and in-process quality checks.
• Support hygiene verification activities and ensure compliance with site standards.
• Provide coaching and guidance to production teams on quality and food safety requirements.
• Complete routine system checks and production line inspections.
• Manage product holds, including creation, release, and disposal processes.
• Maintain accurate records and complete shift reports.
• Conduct GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) audits and internal compliance audits.
• Support traceability exercises and external audit preparation.
• Coordinate external laboratory testing and compliance tracking.
• Investigate quality issues, support root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality performance and compliance.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience within a food manufacturing or quality assurance environment.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety standards.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to coach and influence others.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Shift Patterns Available

Candidates must be flexible to work one of the following shift patterns

4 On, 4 Off

• 6:00am – 6:00pm (Days)
• 6:00pm – 6:00am (Nights)

3-Week Rotational Shift Pattern

•

Week 1

6:00am – 2:00pm

•

Week 2

10:00pm – 6:00am

•

Week 3

2:00pm – 10:00pm

Key Performance Indicators

• Compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Completion of audit schedules and testing requirements.
• Reduction in quality incidents and non-conformances.
• Accuracy and completion of documentation.
• Timely implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.

Working Relationships

You will work closely with

• Production Teams
• Quality and Compliance Teams
• Site Management
• External Laboratories
• Auditors and Regulatory Bodies

Working Environment

This is a factory-based role involving a combination of hands-on operational activities and administrative responsibilities. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and responding to urgent quality and food safety matters when required.

If you are passionate about food safety, quality, and continuous improvement and are looking to develop your career within a leading food manufacturing environment, we would love to hear from you.