Quality Assurance Assistant Placement Opportunity Attractive Salary & Benefits 36.5 Hour week (Hybrid) Newtownabbey 12-month Higher Education Placement commencing May/June 2024 Who are we? Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Irelands leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,700 colleagues and have been placed 3rd in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2025. We're proud to be an Investors in People accredited employer, and our culture is lived out through our four core values- Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity. Henderson Wholesale is a leading Wholesaler in Northern Ireland and supplies goods to over 450 stores across various brands such as SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO. We source from local farmers, growers and producers and are proud to contribute to our local economy and environment. A look into the role Our Quality Assurance Assistant placement opportunity is designed to work in partnership with relevant stakeholders ensuring fresh food products and suppliers meet Henderson Group specifications in relation to food safety, legality, quality, freshness and sustainability. This is an invaluable role in the continued development of the Groups total quality management agenda with specific focus on fresh food. This position will allow the successful candidate to maintain a quality management system that focuses on delivering customer satisfaction and continuous business improvement, developing their skills within a thriving fresh food department. This is an ideal placement for an enthusiastic and proactive individual seeking a fast-paced, commercial environment in one of N.I.s largest and most varied employers. As Quality Assurance Assistant you will: Ensure required specifications from own brand supply are met, and receive standards from all suppliers. Develop & manage quality conformance targets and communication of KPI metrics to supply base Analyse and challenge supplier performance against KPIs Maintain a record of supplier non-conformances and corrective actions and ensuring these are sufficiently investigated to prevent re-occurrence Support New Product Development processes with specification design and supplier conformance targets and liaise with retail and wholesale customers on fresh food quality issues. Skills for Success Joining us as Quality Assurance Assistant the minimum criteria youll need is: Working towards Third level food related qualification. Possess Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification. Full UK Driving License. The attributes youll need include: Strong communication and organisational skills. Ability to use initiative. Excellent attention to detail. It is Desirable if you had: Possession of allergen training. Level 3 Food Hygiene. Level 3 HACCP. Level 2 Internal Audit. Experience working within the food manufacturing industry. Our Values Ambition We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better. Customer First We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities. Teamwork We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills. Integrity We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity. The Reward Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people. Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Perks Offers/Discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group. The successful applicant will be working 36.5 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 7.45am to 3.45pm Friday 7.45am to 2.45pm Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Tuesday 10th February 2026. We are an equal opportunities employer. Skills: Food Related Degree Food Hygiene Qualification Driving License HACCP Food Manufacturing Initiative Communication Benefits: Pension Fund Parking Staff Discounts