At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food quality and safety standards are met while supporting production operations.
- Company: Join Cuisine Centre, part of the UK's largest contract catering business.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, perks, career growth opportunities, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values every detail in food production.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and attention to detail; food handling experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 28800 £ per year.
- QA Operative
- Cuisine Centre
- Smart Parc SEGRO, Derby, UK
- Hourly Pay Rate: £14.45
About the Role
In your role, you will support Goods‑In, Warehousing, Production, and Dispatch operations to ensure all ingredients and finished products meet or exceed customer expectations.
This includes compliance auditing, product inspections, defect investigation, and driving continuous improvement.
You will work closely with both the Production and Technical teams to ensure that GMP, quality, and food safety standards are universally met across the site.
- Working Hours
- 40 hours per week
Flexibility required, including occasional overtime.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure all products meet required specifications and comply with GMP, quality, and food safety standards.
- Minimise waste through correct machine settings and processes.
- Accurately complete all required documentation within set timescales.
- Conduct checks on Incoming ingredients, Stored ingredients, Production processes, Finished goods storage and dispatch.
- Identify and escalate quality issues promptly.
- Monitor hygiene standards through observation, swabbing, and testing.
- Complete and sign off cleaning schedule checks.
- Promote and maintain a safe working environment, following all Health & Safety policies, and wearing appropriate PPE.
- Ensure adherence to all company procedures and standards.
- Communicate effectively with Production Managers and relevant teams.
- Provide flexible support across different factory areas, working collaboratively as a team, and communicating effectively.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Verify accuracy of operator‑completed documentation.
- Carry out stock rotation and inventory accuracy checks.
- Key Skills & Experience
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to analyse and interpret data.
- Good numeracy and literacy skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- IT literate.
- Self‑motivated and able to work independently.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Flexible and proactive approach.
- Team player with a positive, “can‑do” attitude.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards.
- Experience in food or raw material handling preferred.
- About Cuisine Centre
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Cuisine Centre is the food production arm of the UK's largest contract catering business.
We prepare millions of quality meals each year across our five meal ranges, and these are served nationwide in partnership with our clients in a variety of sectors.
We are passionate about simplifying catering, whilst nourishing the nation with fresh, flavour‑first food.
Our people are the secret ingredient to our success.
Our dedicated team of Foodists take pride in every detail, as every meal matters.
That's why we invest in you, providing opportunities to grow, build, and develop your career.
We know that a happy, talented team delivers the best food.
- Our Four Core Values
- Be a Foodist! – We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence, putting care into every detail.
- Do the Right Thing – We always act with integrity and honesty, because high standards create quality products.
- Take Responsibility – We share responsibility for our actions on site, and the wider impact on our customers, communities, and environment.
- Have Respect & Compassion – We recognise that every role helps make the dish. We put our people at the centre of everything we do.
- Your Benefits
- Free breakfast and lunch on shift.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Convenient public transport links.
- Perks at Work – exclusive benefits & wellbeing platform, including discounts on high‑street brands and holidays.
- Grow your career with development and progression opportunities.
- “Pride in Every Plate” recognition scheme with prizes on offer.
- Mental, physical, and financial wellbeing support.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free employee assistance programme.
- Access to our employee networks across Compass Group UK&I. We want all our team members to feel empowered and valued to create an inclusive workplace culture.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Production QA employer: Compass Group UK
Compass Group UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and innovation within the dynamic setting of the Imperial War Museum London. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding service in hospitality. With a focus on employee well-being and development, Compass Group UK stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production QA
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Compass Group UK.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Compass Group UK!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Compass Group UK, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Compass Group UK, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production QA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Compass Group UK, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Compass Group UK.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Compass Group UK. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Compass Group UK. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Compass Group UK’s mission.