Quality Assurance Specialist Department: Quality Assurance Reports To: QA Manager Job Type: Full-time | Permanent Salary: Competitive, DOE Purpose of the Role The Quality Assurance Operative is responsible for supporting the QA Manager in maintaining high standards of food safety, legality, and quality across packhouse operations. The role involves carrying out routine quality checks, monitoring packing line standards, ensuring compliance with procedures, supporting investigations, and contributing to continuous improvement within the site. Key Responsibilities Quality & Compliance Check and record the quality of raw materials and finished products Ensure all products are correctly labelled and meet customer and legal specifications Verify that the correct versions of specifications and QA documents are in use Ensure QA checks are completed in line with company procedures and policies Packing Line Monitoring Monitor packing line standards and report issues relating to: Quality defects Foreign body risks Packaging defects Labelling errors Communicate quality concerns promptly to QA Manager, Production, and Line Leaders Equipment & Systems Ensure QA equipment is maintained in good working order Confirm calibration is completed at required intervals Complete QA documentation accurately and on time Investigations & Improvement Assist with investigations into non-conformances and customer complaints Support corrective and preventive actions where required Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the site Additional Duties Support taste panels, shelf-life trials, and product assessments when required Assist wider operational teams during quieter periods, as needed Candidate Requirements Experience & Qualifications Previous experience in a QA or food production environment HACCP / Food Safety Level 2 or higher Soft fruit experience preferred Skills & Competencies Good understanding of food safety, legality, and quality standards Computer literate with confidence completing QA documentation Good communication and teamwork skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Flexible approach to working hours to meet production demands