Job Title: Technical Assistant (Food Manufacturing)
Salary: £32,000
Location: Northamptonshire
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday – 06:00 to 16:00 / 07:30 to 17:30 / 08:00 to 18:00
Overview
The Flavour Network is excited to support a leading food manufacturing company in Northamptonshire with the recruitment of a Technical Assistant. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a technical or quality background in food production who is looking to advance their career in the meat industry. As a Technical Assistant, you will have the chance to make a real impact on quality, safety, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced production environment.
Key Responsibilities for the Technical Assistant
* Support the maintenance of site certifications (BRC, Red Tractor, Organic, BMPA)
* Conduct internal audits and manage testing schedules (product, raw material, environmental)
* Assist with updating procedures and processes for compliance and continuous improvement
* Create and maintain product and raw material specifications, including customer templates
* Support legal labelling and technical specification functions
* Monitor GMP, hygiene, and quality standards across the factory, working with production teams
* Investigate quality or technical concerns to root cause and implement corrective actions
* Develop and deliver Quality Action Plans and continuous improvement strategies
* Monitor raw materials to ensure specifications are met
* Conduct and record NPD trials as required
* Support training programmes for food hygiene and factory inductions
* Lead hygiene audits and drive improvements in cleaning standards
* Contribute to supplier approval and management processes
* Prepare and review samples, microbiological swabs, and analytical testing (pH, salt etc.)
* Cover QA tasks and ensure the site maintains an audit-ready Quality Management System
* Champion Food Safety Culture and promote a Quality-first mindset across site
Requirements for the Technical Assistant
* Experience in a high-risk chilled food handling environment
* A solid understanding of food safety principles
* Experience of maintaining and improving technical standards in a factory environment
* Ability to influence and drive positive changes in a QA/technical setting
* Knowledge of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (BRCGS essential, Red Tractor and Organic beneficial)
* Understanding of food labelling, legislation, and product specifications
* Awareness of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Hygiene Practice, and food contamination controls
* Ability to assess and manage risks relating to safety, quality, legality, and authenticity of food
* Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills