At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production quality by ensuring food safety and compliance standards are met.
- Company: Join Cuisine Centre, part of the UK's largest contract catering business.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, parking, and exclusive discounts while developing your career.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and recognition in a dynamic workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food production while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and attention to detail; food handling experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35360 £ per year.
QA Operative
Cuisine Centre
SmartParc 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
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 15:30
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.
- Contribute your ideas to make continuous improvement of processes.
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.
If you're looking for a role in a growing food production business, where your work feels as good as it tastes, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
Production Qa - Derby employer: ESS
Chartwells Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises growth and excellence in the education catering sector. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding food and hospitality experiences, you will find ample opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact across educational institutions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Qa - Derby
✨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 ESS.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
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✨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 ESS, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Production Qa - Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at ESS, 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 ESS.
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 ESS. 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 ESS. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨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 ESS’s mission.
