QA Auditor - Food Manufacturing in Greenford

Belazu has been a pioneer of supplying chef grade ingredients for over 30 years. We are a Silver Standard Investor in People, recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and a responsible, ethical B Corp accredited business. We balance the needs of our people, our product and our planet alongside our need to be profitable. We have a diverse workforce that contributes to a positive company culture and our achievements.

ROLE PURPOSE

This role supports the maintenance of product quality, legality, authenticity and food safety across Belazu’s manufacturing operations. You will help ensure products and processes comply with Belazu systems, procedures, HACCP controls, customer requirements and BRCGS standards. You will carry out audits, product checks, testing, investigations, calibration checks and environmental monitoring, working closely with Production, Hygiene, Engineering, NPD and Technical Services. Success in this role means issues are identified early, corrective actions are followed through, records are accurate and the site maintains a strong right-first-time food safety and quality culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Audit & Compliance: Conduct internal audits, including GMP, hygiene, fabrication, glass and brittle plastic, and HACCP audits. Identify non-conformances, verify corrective actions and support trend analysis to drive continuous improvement. Verify CCPs, procedural compliance and operator competency, escalating issues where standards are not met.
• Product Quality & Testing: Carry out product testing, including organoleptic checks, pH, water activity and salt content, to confirm products meet quality standards. Release WIP products for production, complete finished product label checks and inspect raw materials as required. Investigate out-of-specification results and work with Production to confirm compliance with product specifications.
• Investigations & Non-Conformance Management: Investigate customer complaints, internal non-conformances and quality issues, supporting effective root cause analysis and corrective action. Manage concessions, log supplier non-conformances and follow the company quarantine process. Assist the QA Manager with problem solving, investigations and evidence gathering for audit or customer requirements.
• Calibration, Monitoring & Laboratory Testing: Conduct internal calibration and equipment verification, including pH meters, water activity meters, salt refractometers and weighing scales. Carry out environmental swabbing, including ATP, Listeria and allergen monitoring, in line with site schedules. Coordinate external laboratory testing, send products for microbiological analysis, report results and support trending of test data. Support achievement of QA KPIs, initiatives and company-wide quality, food safety, health and safety, and socio-environmental objectives. Work collaboratively with Production, Hygiene, Engineering, NPD and Technical Services to maintain standards and resolve issues quickly. Promote a right-first-time approach and contribute to continuous improvement across QA processes.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Knowledge & Qualifications: Food, Science or related degree-level qualification, or equivalent practical experience. Good understanding of food safety, HACCP, BRCGS, GMP and quality management systems. Understanding of food preservation techniques and general food technology. Confident using Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and Excel. Good level of spoken and written English.
• Experience: Ideally at least one year of experience in a similar QA, technical or food manufacturing role. Graduates in relevant food or science disciplines will also be considered. Experience in high-care production environments and pasteurisation processes would be beneficial. Experience carrying out audits, product checks, testing, swabbing or non-conformance investigations is desirable.

SKILLS & BEHAVIOURS

• Quality Focus: Understands the importance of quality, legality, authenticity and food safety in every task.
• Attention to Detail: Completes audits, checks, testing and records accurately, with a right-first-time mindset.
• Problem Solving: Uses logic, common sense and evidence to troubleshoot issues and support effective corrective actions.
• Organisation: Manages multiple audits, checks, samples and deadlines in a busy department.
• Initiative: Reacts quickly, escalates appropriately and takes ownership when standards are at risk.
• Influence: Encourages others to follow company procedures and maintain high standards at all times.
• Communication: Communicates clearly with Production, Hygiene, Engineering, NPD and Technical teams.
• Customer Mindset: Supports customer service excellence through accurate checks, timely investigations and strong product control.

BACKGROUND

• Typical Previous Roles: Quality Assurance Assistant, QA Auditor, Technical Assistant, FMCG Auditor.
• Key Relationships / Stakeholders: QA Manager, Hygiene, NPD, Technical Services, Production.

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days annual plus 8 public holidays per annum, increasing with service.
• Auto-Enrolment Pension + enhanced pension options.
• Life assurance.
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme (10% KPI-based).
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to Employee Benefits Portal (GP, financial tools, retail discounts).
• Volunteer days and CSR programme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Up to 40% discount on Company products.
• Subsidised canteen with incredible food.

Terms: 40 hrs/wk Mon–Fri (i.e. 8am – 4:30pm, flexible on start times).