Technical & Quality Assistant (BRC Experience Required)
Location: Hackney
Reporting to: Technical Manager
Contract: Full time, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm (flexibility required during peak seasons)
Salary: £28,880
No agencies please
About Hackney Gelato
Ciao! We are Hackney Gelato. Founded by Sam and Enrico, two chefs who grew up in Italy, we are passionate about delivering authentic Italian gelato to restaurants, delis, cafés and shops across the UK.
All our gelato and sorbetto is made in small, carefully crafted batches. We take pride in doing things properly, just as the master gelatieri taught us. We are a small business growing very quickly, and this is an exciting time to join us.
About the Role
We are looking for a Technical & Quality Assistant to join our growing team. Reporting directly to the Technical Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining and improving food safety, quality, and compliance across the site, helping us deliver the very best gelato to our customers.
Key Responsibilities
Quality & Technical
* Assess, monitor, and record food safety and quality control procedures across the site.
* Ensure all checks are completed accurately and recorded in line with company and regulatory requirements.
* Carry out internal audits according to schedule and track corrective and preventative actions.
* Analyse and trend quality and audit data over time.
* Complete raw material intake checks against specifications.
* Raise non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions with relevant teams in a timely manner.
Strategy & Planning
* Plan, manage, and document weekly taste panels and trend data.
* Manage the microbiological testing schedule, including:
* ATP swabbing
* Finished product testing
* Allergen testing
* Environmental swabbing
* Manage chemical testing schedules, including allergen swabbing and weekly pH water testing.
* Complete product weight and label checks to ensure compliance with specifications.
* Assist with traceability and mass balance exercises.
Audits & Standards
* Support and assist during third-party audits, including BRC and SALSA.
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Minimum 1 year’s experience working in a BRC-certified food manufacturing site (high-risk preferred).
* Understanding of BRC and SALSA standards, or experience working in sites audited to these standards.
* Knowledge of relevant food legislation, guidelines, retail policies, and codes of practice.
* Understanding of ingredients, nutrition, and food manufacturing processes.
* Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and general software systems.
* Meticulous attention to detail.
* Ability to multitask and prioritise effectively.
Nice to Have
* Completed 2-day internal auditing course.
* Food Safety Level 2.
* HACCP Level 2 or 3.
* Experience with root cause analysis.
* Experience writing product specifications (training can be provided).
About You
* Patient and methodical in your approach.
* A clear and confident communicator.
* Organised, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits
* Equity / shares in the business.
* Statutory pension with NEST.
* 30 days holiday, plus Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day off.
* An additional day off for your birthday.
* Wellness Day: one additional paid day off per year, with a financial contribution toward your wellbeing.
* +1 additional day annual leave after 3 years’ service, with one extra day per year thereafter (up to 5 additional days).
* Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
* Free gelato on site (lots of it 🍨).
1.