QA Auditor in Manchester

The Quality Assurance Auditor is responsible for ensuring all products manufactured at Extons Foods meet required food safety, quality, and customer standards. The role involves carrying out routine quality checks, audits, inspections, and documentation review across production and packing areas. The successful candidate will play a key part in maintaining compliance with BRC, HACCP, and customer specifications, supporting the business in delivering safe and consistent products. The role is primarily based on the 6am–2pm shift; however, flexibility is required to provide holiday cover on the 2pm–10pm and 10pm–6am shifts when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine quality checks throughout the production and packing processes, inclusive of MAP, lead detector and seal integrity checks.
• Ensure products meet internal quality standards, customer specifications, and legal requirements.
• Monitor compliance with HACCP plans, GMP standards, and site procedures.
• Ensure all quality records are completed accurately and in line with company requirements.
• Complete daily internal audits including hygiene, glass and perspex checks, temperature checks, metal detection verification, and line start-up inspections.
• Conduct traceability, labelling, and packaging compliance checks.
• Identify non-conformances and raise corrective actions in line with site procedures.
• Support preparation for BRC audits, customer audits, and internal technical audits.
• Monitor hygiene standards across the site and escalate issues where required.
• Ensure allergen controls are followed and correctly documented.
• Support microbiological sampling and product testing requirements.
• Assist in investigating quality issues, complaints, and deviations.
• Work closely with Production and Packing teams to ensure quality expectations are understood and achieved.
• Provide guidance and support to shop-floor teams to promote a strong food safety culture.
• Escalate quality concerns promptly to QA management and operational leaders.
• Support improvement initiatives by identifying recurring issues and opportunities to enhance standards.
• Assist with updating procedures and documentation where required.
• Encourage best practice and compliance across all departments.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience in a QA or food safety role within food manufacturing (dairy experience advantageous).
• Good understanding of food safety standards such as HACCP, GMP, and BRC.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete paperwork accurately.
• Confident working on the factory floor and challenging standards when required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with production teams.
• Flexibility to cover alternative shifts (2pm–10pm and 10pm–6am) during holidays.
• Experience with audits, non-conformance reporting and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of allergen controls, traceability, and retailer standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food Safety Level 2/3.

Personal Attributes

• High attention to detail and a methodical approach.
• Proactive and confident in raising concerns.
• Professional, reliable, and able to work independently.
• Strong sense of responsibility for food safety and compliance.
• Adaptable and able to respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday 6am-2pm.
• Site based. Shift cover expected (holiday cover) on the 2pm-10pm and 10pm to 6am shift (shift allowance pay will be provided for any shifts covered).

Benefits

• Free parking, within proximity to all major travel networks.
• 23 days holiday, plus 8 days bank holiday, increasing with service.
• An extra day off for your birthday!
• Health cash plan (Medicash), after 3 months.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Company pension scheme – employer 4% and employee 5%.
• Company paid events throughout the year.
• FREE pack of cheese every week plus a discounted staff cheese shop.
• Doughnut Fridays.
• Free fruit on a Tuesday.