Technical Assistant

Role Responsibility

Key Aspects of Job:

Working in the areas listed below with the relevant supervisors, managers and line staff to ensure quality systems are understood, implemented consistently on a daily basis and developed over time

GENERAL TECHNICAL TASKS:      

1. Gather and prepare microbiological samples as per schedules, cook samples where necessary, complete swabs, water samples. Re-test where necessary
2. Support completion of taste panels
3. Follow up on reports on problematic raw materials/WIP ingredients/finished goods to ensure decisions are made and communicate timely.
4. Carry out internal audits including GMP and fabrication audits
5. Audit and file production paperwork. Score and communicate the quality of the paperwork to the production team
6. Aid with customer complaint investigations
7. Carry out equipment and calibration checks
8. CCP verification and validation
9. Complete and update data logging system
10. Complete traceability audits when required
11. Lead or support technical projects as required
12. Support project work carried out on site
13. Daily and weekly temperature checks
14. Review existing and implement processes required to deliver required standards on site
15. Support implementation, embedding and maintenance of QA approach
16. Coaching and training team members
17. Support Quality and QMS Technologist.
18. Review and update key cards and associated technical documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with current process/procedure.

PRODUCTION RELATED

1. Support temperature monitoring checks when required
2. Report results of paperwork audits, this includes non-conformance information, missing weight record data and over/under weights. Follow up any outstanding issues
3. Monitor and audit adherence to Good Manufacture Practices throughout facilities
4. Report any technical issues to Shift Manager’s and check that effective corrective action are taken
5. Attend the daily Production meeting if required
6. Ensure out of specification products are prevented from moving forward in production process by reporting unresolved technical issues
7. Liaise with the day/night hygiene team regarding any cleaning/hygiene issues

RAW MATERIALS:

1. Support monitoring of problematic ingredients
2. Deal with rejections for technical issues by ensuring a non conformance form is filled in
3. Log technical/quality issues in non-conformance log and communicate to suppliers
4. Audit raw materials in stores
5. Audit stock rotation procedure for incoming ingredients
6. Liaise with quality department regarding quality attributes of raw ingredients
7. Make routine acceptance/rejection decisions for raw materials and packaging.
8. Ensure the hold and reject procedure is followed for non-conforming raw materials and packaging.
9. Liaise with Supply Chain and Planning to arrange the return of rejected stock to suppliers.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

1. Knowledge of basic food hygiene
2. Experience of working within a quality management system
3. Good basis and understanding of PC use/IT (Microsoft office)
4. Excellent communication skills – dealing with personnel on the factory floor
5. Good attention to detail
6. Ability to prioritise and delegate to complete tasks efficiently in a timely manner
7. Flexibility and ability to work in a fast changing small company environment
8. Available to work outside of normal hours and bank holidays if required
9. Clear and concise written skills
10. Experience in a QA or QC role preferable

The Ideal Candidate

Person Specification: 

Experience:                 

1. Experience of managing a quality management system
2. Experience of writing and implementing existing and new quality management procedures, completing risk assessments and
3. Experience of training and embedding new ways of working

Qualifications:

1. Food Science or Technology Degree qualified (or similar)
2. Food Safety and HACCP qualifications

Skills:

1. Strong Interpersonal skills
2. Computer literate, familiar with Microsoft office
3. Analytical thinker, able to understand data and draw compelling business proposals
4. Problem solving
5. Presentation skills
6. Influencing others.

Attribute:

1. Composure
2. Tenacity, Drive for results
3. Confident, self-starter
4. Pragmatic approach able to work effectively in cross functional teams
5. Deliver objectives to timelines
6. Keen time management skills
7. Adaptable
8. Team Player
9. Passion for food