QA & Reg Assistant in Folkestone

Job Purpose

The role’s primary focus is to support the company in meeting customer, external accreditation and legislative requirements for Quality, Food Safety and Regulatory compliance, so Plamil Foods Ltd remains legally compliant and aligned with external accrediting and compliance bodies.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Quality Assurance

• Maintain a clear understanding of the purpose and value of an externally accredited Quality Management System.
• Represent the Quality department appropriately and support engagement across all levels of staff through clear communication, education and guidance.
• Support the implementation of policies and procedures surrounding regulatory functions and obligations.
• Support and assist the Quality Assurance & Regulatory Manager to ensure standards are met.
• Apply knowledge of HACCP/TACCP/VACCP to support the creation, review and implementation of relevant processes.
• Carry out monitoring and maintenance of CCPs relating to HACCP in line with company procedures.
• Carry out evaluations of production and processing procedures and assist in creating, reviewing and updating documentation such as SOP’s, Cleaning cards, process forms accurately and effectively.
• Carry out internal audits, system audits and swabbing in line with training and company procedures.
• Prepare required information and documentation for external audits.
• Monitor customer complaints and non‑conformances and ensure actions are completed within required timeframes.
• Respond promptly to technical queries from customers and ensure accurate information is provided, escalating where required.
• Work with suppliers to obtain accurate and up‑to‑date technical information and ensure updates are completed promptly.
• Assisting with the maintenance and review of raw material and packaging supplier’s records and audits.
• Produce documentation required by Quality to maintain an accurate and effective QMS.
• Maintain current QMS and assist in continuously improving the system.
• Keep all QMS documents accurate and effective.
• Complete all allocated daily, weekly and monthly QA duties accurately and on time.

Regulatory

• Liaising with external bodies as required.
• Lead in all regulatory and relevant external accreditations audits ensuring all information is accurate, effective and available on the lead up to and during the audit.
• Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of relevant policies and procedures, updating as necessary to ensure compliance.
• Apply policies and procedures relating to regulatory functions and ensure tasks are completed correctly and advising management as necessary.
• Produce compliant labelling for regulatory and accreditation purposes and ensure updates are completed accurately.
• Input into projects that require regulatory functions to ensure deadlines are met.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of regulatory requirements and apply this knowledge to ensure tasks support compliance.
• Use and keep up to date any 3rd party portals/platforms with accurate information, in expected timelines.

General

• Research and investigate information to support accurate and informed evaluations by others.
• Actively seek out information, training and new knowledge, and apply these to maintain and improve effectiveness in the role.
• Deliver on the job training to other staff in Quality and Regulatory tasks where appropriate.
• Make suggestions for improvements and contribute to discussions on how they may be implemented.
• Adhere to company stated policies and procedures relating to job role, Health & Safety and general conduct around site.
• Work collaboratively with managerial staff and team members to ensure smooth business operations.
• Participate in necessary training to stay current and improve performance.
• Undertake other duties that support the business where skills and knowledge are relevant.
• Apply the Company Core and Working Values in all work activities and conduct.

Person Profile

Behavioural Attributes

• Works reliably and follows procedures to maintain accuracy and compliance.
• Takes appropriate initiative within the role and contributes to resolving issues.
• Follows procedures and checks work for accuracy to ensure tasks are completed correctly.
• Takes responsibility for completing tasks accurately and within required timeframes.
• Demonstrates consistent quality and compliance behaviours that support team expectations.
• Able to work constructively with colleagues at all levels, including senior management, customers and suppliers.
• Able to plan, organise and review their own workload effectively.
• Contributes constructively to organisational culture and supports structured processes.

Specific Job Skills

• Practical and up‑to‑date experience of BRCGS Food Safety Standard, including interpreting requirements into the Quality Management System.
• Experience in a similar role within food manufacturing or a comparable regulated environment.
• Excellent computer skills.
• HACCP/TACCP/VACCP knowledge.
• Food Safety understanding.
• Auditing experience.
• Regulatory compliance knowledge.

Computer Skills

Proficient in use of MS 365 or later, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams, Internet and email.

Literacy and Numeracy

• Able to produce clear written documentation and communicate in English as required for regulatory and technical tasks.
• Able to carry out basic numerical calculations and interpret data to support Quality and Regulatory decisions, such as percentages, tolerances and trend analysis.