QA Assistant – Temp to Permanent | Early Shift (06:00–15:00) Location: Chelmsford, Essex Hours: 06:00 – 15:00 (Monday to Friday) Type: Temp to Permanent, Full-Time – IMMEDIATE START AVAILABLE Industry: Food Manufacturing / Quality Assurance Are you a detail-oriented professional with a background in food manufacturing and a passion for quality? We’re working with a respected food manufacturing business that supplies major UK retailers as they look to expand their Quality team. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a QA Assistant to support the QA & Hygiene department at their busy manufacturing site. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established and growing food manufacturer supplying high-quality products to some of the UK’s most recognisable supermarket brands. You’ll be part of a collaborative team, in a role that offers variety, responsibility, and a chance to make an impact. Your role as Quality Assistant will be to support the technical function of the business by ensuring compliance with site quality management systems and customer requirements. You’ll play a crucial part in daily quality checks, audits, equipment validation, and ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the manufacturing facility from a technical perspective. Key Responsibilities Carry out daily documentation verification checks Perform GMP and hygiene audits Conduct seal integrity, checkweigher, and fridge temperature checks Validate production equipment (e.g. metal detectors, scales) Perform allergen/hygiene swabbing and maintain records Oversee the Positive Release process to ensure product compliance Manage sample collection and assist with technical queries from production Support customer and supplier audits Help prepare for inspections and deputise for the Quality Supervisor when requiredEssential Skills: Previous experience in food manufacturing (ideally in a QA/QC role) Competent in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) Strong attention to detail and organisation Clear communicator and strong team player Professional and positive approachDesirable: Experience using SAP Knowledge of allergen controls, hygiene best practices, and technical audits