QA Auditor (Production Engagement, Compliance & Continuous Improvement) Quality Assurance | Food Safety | GMP Compliance | Production Support | Continuous Improvement Department : Technical Reports To : Head of Technical Direct Reports : None Employment Type : Full-time Level : QA Auditor Mission Statement Deliver proactive, on-the-floor quality assurance support that protects product safety, legality, and authenticity. This role ensures robust technical compliance, real-time production support, consistent standards, and continuous improvement across the bakery. The QA Auditor works flexibly across shifts to match production needs, prevent issues before they occur, and strengthen the partnership between Technical and Production. Primary Accountabilities & Outcomes Production Floor QA Support Maintain a strong, visible presence on the production floor throughout each shift. Proactively identify, escalate, and help resolve issues relating to labelling, allergens, hygiene, CCPs, PPE and equipment. Collaborate daily with Team Leaders and Supervisors to embed safe, legal, right-first-time production. Support start-up checks and end-of-run compliance tasks during key production windows. Provide flexible shift cover (early starts/late finishes) to ensure QA presence during high-risk or high-volume periods. Compliance, Verification & GMP Complete daily GMP audits, documenting findings and agreeing actions with Production. Carry out CCP verification checks (metal detection, X-ray, scale verification). Conduct weight checks, recipe compliance checks, and allergen control verifications. Complete temperature checks across chills, freezers, provers, and ovens. Perform routine Glass & Hard Plastic checks and identify damaged or non-compliant equipment. Sampling, Testing & Documentation Complete sampling for shelf-life assessments, lab testing, and rotational sample sets. Support positive release checks (including allergen swabbing). Ensure all QA and production paperwork is completed accurately and filed correctly. Maintain technical logs, calibration records, verification trackers, and non-conformance data. Issue Management & Continuous Improvement Log and follow up technical issues, maintenance faults, hygiene gaps, and process deviations. Assist with root-cause analysis for complaints, non-conformances, and internal rejections. Support trend reporting (GMP, CCP, weight control, allergen control). Identify opportunities for procedural improvement and contribute to SOP updates. Provide coaching and training for production teams where repeated issues occur. Customer & Audit Support Act as a point of contact for internal and external customer queries relating to quality or compliance. Support Technical Manager during customer visits, BRCGS audits, and external inspections. Assist with preparation of audit documents, reports, and follow-up evidence. Required Competencies & Behaviours Technical & Compliance Competencies Strong understanding of GMP, allergen management, CCP controls, and food safety principles. Knowledge of HACCP and quality systems within food manufacturing. Ability to interpret specifications, process controls, and compliance requirements. Digital & Systems Competencies Confident with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and digital QA records. Able to maintain logs, trackers, and digital audit trails accurately. Comfortable adopting new digital tools linked to Technical and Production. Operational & Production Competencies Strong situational awareness and ability to act quickly in a live environment. Clear communication with Production to align standards and expectations. Ability to manage time effectively in a fast-moving, multi-line bakery. Continuous Improvement Competencies Observant, detail-driven, and able to spot early signs of non-conformance. Supports Lean and 3S/5S principles on the floor. Proactive attitude to raising issues and preventing repeat problems. Experience & Background Requirements Essential Previous experience in QA or Technical within food manufacturing. Understanding of CCPs, GMP, allergens, and food safety compliance. Strong organisational, communication, and documentation skills. Desirable 3rd-level qualification in food science or related discipline. Experience in bakery, sweet goods, or high-volume FMCG. HACCP Level 2/3 or Food Safety qualifications. Exposure to digital quality systems. Key Relationships & Stakeholder Management Internal Stakeholders: Technical Manager Production Supervisors & Team Leaders Hygiene Team External Stakeholders: Customers and auditors Lab testing partners Regulatory bodies (as required) Success Metrics & Performance Standards Quality & Compliance Metrics =90% completion of weekly GMP checks. Reduction in QA-related non-conformances. Zero missed CCP verifications. Accurate documentation with zero serious audit findings. Production Support Metrics Demonstrated resolution or escalation of real-time issues. Increased right-first-time performance. Continuous Improvement Metrics Evidence of action follow-up and trend reduction. Contribution to SOP improvements and training. Values Alignment Can-Do Attitude Continuous Improvement Do the Right Thing Family-like Commitment Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary Performance incentives Professional development support