At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch food safety and quality by conducting routine checks and audits.
- Company: Join Extons Foods, a leading independent cheese processor with a family-run vibe.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, 28 days holiday, health cash plan, and weekly cheese perks!
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday afternoons in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering quality food products.
- Qualifications: Experience in QA or food safety is a plus; attention to detail is key.
The predicted salary is between 31819 - 38889 £ per year.
About Us
Established in 2000, Extons Foods are now one of the UKs largest independent cheese processing companies supplying sliced, grated, block and continental cheese to wholesalers, retailers, and sandwich manufacturers.
We have continually grown and we’re not slowing down!
A Family Run business with a friendly hands-on approach.
Role Description
We are looking for a conscientious and detail-focused QA Auditor to join our team.
In this role, you'll be at the heart of ensuring that every product leaving our factory meets the highest standards of food safety, quality, and customer expectations.
Working closely with production teams, you'll carry out routine quality checks on the line and play a key part in maintaining our robust food safety culture.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a keen eye for detail and a genuine interest in food safety and quality, whether you're building on existing QA experience or bringing strong attention to detail from another environment and are eager to develop a career in food manufacturing quality assurance.
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 CCPS and other quality checkpoints in line with HACCP requirements
- Identify and report non-conformances, promptly escalating issues when necessary
- Support corrective and preventative action processes when quality issues arise
- Work with production teams to communicate quality standards and resolve concerns quickly
- Conduct scheduled internal audits, including GMP audits, hygiene audits, and site standard checks
- Assess compliance with food safety and quality management systems across the factory
- Ensure all quality records are completed accurately and in line with company requirements
- Accurately document audit findings and support the development of corrective action plans
- Follow up on previous audit actions to verify effective close-out
- Support preparation for external audits (e. g., BRCGS, customer, or regulatory audits) as required
- Maintain accurate, organised quality records in line with company procedures
- Support the QA team with traceability checks, allergen management, and shelf-life monitoring
- Assist with investigating customer complaints and identifying root causes
- Promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the site
- Monitor hygiene standards across the site and escalate issues where required
- Support microbiological sampling and product testing requirements
- Work closely with other departments to ensure quality expectations are understood and achieved
- Support improvement initiatives by identifying recurring issues and opportunities to enhance standards
- Assist with updating procedures and documentation where required
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have
- 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.
- Excellent attention to detail with a methodical, thorough approach to checks and documentation
- Strong observational skills and the confidence to identify and challenge non-conformances
- Clear communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally across all levels of the business, from production operatives to senior management
- Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple checks and priorities within a fast-paced production environment
- Sound numeracy and record-keeping skills
- Basic computer literacy, including comfort using quality management systems and Microsoft Office
- 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
- A genuine passion for food safety and quality, with pride in delivering great products to customers
- A proactive, hands-on approach and willingness to be present on the production floor
- Resilience and adaptability, remaining calm and professional under pressure
- Strong teamworking skills combined with the confidence to work independently when needed
- A continuous improvement mindset, always looking for ways to strengthen quality standards and processes
Working Hours
- Monday to Friday 2pm-10pm
- Site based
Benefits
- Free parking, within proximity to all major travel networks
- 28 days holiday, inclusive of 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
- Learn more about Extons Foods at https://www. extonsfoods. com/
QA Auditor - Afternoon Shift in Manchester employer: Extons Foods
Extons Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With a commitment to quality and food safety, employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including enhanced leave policies, health cash plans, and unique perks like free cheese every week. Located conveniently with excellent transport links, this role provides a fantastic opportunity for growth in the thriving food manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Auditor - Afternoon Shift in Manchester
✨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 Extons Foods.
✨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 Extons Foods!
✨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 Extons Foods, 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 Extons Foods, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace QA Auditor - Afternoon Shift in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Extons Foods, 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 Extons Foods.
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 Extons Foods. 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 Extons Foods. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Extons Foods
✨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 Extons Foods’s mission.
