Technical Assistant in London

Job Introduction

To support the Technologist and Technical Manager in maintaining and enhancing quality management standards across all areas of production on a day-to‑day basis.

To audit and check production systems and to ensure that the highest technical standards are achieved for all foods produced at Bighams.

• Shift Patterns
• 06:00 – 15:00
• 07:00 – 16:00
• 08:00 – 17:00
• 14:00 – 23:00
• Key Aspects of Job

Working in the areas listed below with the relevant supervisors, managers and line staff to ensure quality systems are understood, implemented consistently on a daily basis and developed over time.

• General Technical Tasks
• Gather and prepare microbiological samples as per schedules, cook samples where necessary, complete swabs, water samples. Re‑test where necessary.
• Support completion of taste panels.
• Follow up on reports on problematic raw materials/WIP ingredients/finished goods to ensure decisions are made and communicate timely.
• Carry out internal audits including GMP and fabrication audits.
• Audit and file production paperwork. Score and communicate the quality of the paperwork to the production team.
• Aid with customer complaint investigations.
• Carry out equipment and calibration checks.
• CCP verification and validation.
• Complete and update data logging system.
• Complete traceability audits when required.
• Lead or support technical projects as required.
• Support project work carried out on site.
• Daily and weekly temperature checks.
• Review existing and implement processes required to deliver required standards on site.
• Support implementation, embedding and maintenance of QA approach.
• Coaching and training team members.
• Support Quality and QMS Technologist.
• Review and update key cards and associated technical documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with current process/procedure.
• Production Related
• Support temperature monitoring checks when required.
• Report results of paperwork audits, including non‑conformance information, missing weight record data and over/under weights. Follow up any outstanding issues.
• Monitor and audit adherence to Good Manufacture Practices throughout facilities.
• Report any technical issues to Shift Managers and ensure effective corrective action are taken.
• Attend the daily Production meeting if required.
• Ensure out‑of‑specification products are prevented from moving forward in production process by reporting unresolved technical issues.
• Liaise with the day/night hygiene team regarding any cleaning/hygiene issues.
• Raw Materials
• Support monitoring of problematic ingredients.
• Deal with rejections for technical issues by ensuring a non‑conformance form is filled in.
• Log technical/quality issues in non‑conformance log and communicate to suppliers.
• Audit raw materials in stores.
• Audit stock rotation procedure for incoming ingredients.
• Liaise with quality department regarding quality attributes of raw ingredients.
• Make routine acceptance/rejection decisions for raw materials and packaging.
• Ensure the hold and reject procedure is followed for non‑conforming raw materials and packaging.
• Liaise with Supply Chain and Planning to arrange the return of rejected stock to suppliers.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of basic food hygiene.
• Experience of working within a quality management system.
• Good basic understanding of PC use/IT (Microsoft Office).
• Excellent communication skills – dealing with personnel on the factory floor.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise and delegate to complete tasks efficiently in a timely manner.
• Flexibility and ability to work in a fast‑changing small company environment.
• Available to work outside of normal hours and bank holidays if required.
• Clear and concise written skills.
• Experience in a QA or QC role preferable.
• The Ideal Candidate

Experience

Person Specification

• Experience of managing a quality management system.
• Experience of writing and implementing existing and new quality management procedures, completing risk assessments.
• Experience of training and embedding new ways of working.

Qualifications

• Food Science or Technology Degree qualified (or similar).
• Food Safety and HACCP qualifications.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Computer literate, familiar with Microsoft Office.
• Analytical thinker, able to understand data and draw compelling business proposals.
• Problem solving.
• Presentation skills.
• Influencing others.
• Attribute
• Composure.
• Tenacity, drive for results.
• Confident, self‑starter.
• Pragmatic approach able to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Deliver objectives to timelines.
• Keen time management skills.
• Adaptable.
• Team player.
• Passion for food.
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