At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure product quality and safety through hands-on checks and teamwork.
- Company: Join Finlay Beverages, a leading supplier with over 125 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Earn £14.32 per hour, enjoy generous pension contributions and career development.
- Other info: Enjoy long weekends, structured training, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on products enjoyed by households across the UK.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and a team-oriented mindset are key.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 £ per year.
South Elmsall WF9 2XS
£14.32 per hour + Benefits
Monday–Thursday | Weekly Rotating Shifts (Long Weekends Every Week)
Join Finlay Beverages – Brewing A Better Future
Finlay Beverages is the UK’s leading B2B supplier of tea, coffee and botanical ingredients to many of the world’s best-loved retailers and foodservice operators. We exist to empower our customers to create a world where every sip brings joy — something we’re uniquely placed to deliver through our global scale, trusted partnerships and over 125 years of expertise. With a heritage dating back to 1896, we continue to evolve — placing sustainability, quality and people at the heart of everything we do. At Finlay, it’s our people who make this happen — and we’re building an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to grow.
What You’ll Get in Return
- £14.32 per hour
- Generous pension scheme (up to 12% employer contribution)
- 8x life insurance
- Structured induction & full training provided
- Staff shop
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Finlays United Awards
- Finlays Champion Awards
- Long Service Awards
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Supportive team and positive site culture
The Role
As a Quality Assurance Operative, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our products are safe, high-quality and right first time. Working closely with production and QA teams, you’ll help maintain the standards our customers rely on — contributing directly to products found in households across the UK and beyond. This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys attention to detail, teamwork and taking pride in doing things properly.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out quality and food safety checks across production
- Take samples and accurately complete quality records
- Support investigations and continuous improvement activities
- Ensure the site remains clean, safe and compliant
- Work closely with production and QA colleagues
- Support new starters and contribute to a positive team culture
- Follow all safety, quality and compliance procedures
Shifts & Hours
Week 1: Monday – Thursday, 5:00am – 3:00pm
Week 2: Monday – Thursday, 2:00pm – 12:00am
Pattern: Weekly rotating shifts
No Friday working
More work‑life balance
Overtime opportunities available
Training & Development
You don’t need to tick every box — we’ll support you from day one. Your first few months will include:
- A structured 4‑day induction programme
- Time to learn, ask questions and build confidence
- Hands‑on training tailored to your role
- Site tours (including tea & coffee tasting)
We’re committed to helping you build your skills and develop your career over time.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in QA, food manufacturing, or production (helpful but not essential)
- Strong attention to detail and a focus on quality
- A team‑oriented mindset
- Good communication and willingness to learn
- A proactive and reliable approach
- Commitment to safety and doing things the right way
Working at Finlay
We’re a hands‑on, down‑to‑earth business where:
- People are welcoming, supportive and approachable
- Training is structured and designed to help you succeed
- You’re encouraged to learn, grow and develop
Inclusion Matters
We welcome applications from everyone. We want people to feel comfortable being themselves at work and are happy to make adjustments to support you through the recruitment or onboarding process.
QA Operative in Pontefract employer: Finlays
Finlay Beverages is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. With competitive pay, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and career development opportunities, employees enjoy a positive environment that prioritises teamwork and quality. Located in South Elmsall, the company provides a unique work-life balance with long weekends every week, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Operative in Pontefract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might have connections in the food manufacturing industry. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that QA Operative role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Finlay Beverages and their commitment to quality and sustainability. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to quality assurance and teamwork. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your attention to detail and proactive approach. We want to see how you can fit into their supportive team culture!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the fantastic benefits that come with it.
We think you need these skills to ace QA Operative in Pontefract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the QA Operative role. Highlight any relevant experience in quality assurance or food manufacturing, even if it's not extensive. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in working with us at Finlay Beverages and how your attention to detail and teamwork skills make you a great fit for the role. Keep it friendly and genuine!
Show Your Enthusiasm:In your application, let us know why you’re excited about the opportunity to work with us. We love candidates who are passionate about quality and safety, so don’t hold back on sharing your enthusiasm for the role and our mission!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our company culture while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finlays
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Before the interview, brush up on the key quality assurance standards relevant to the food and beverage industry. Familiarise yourself with common practices in QA, as well as any specific regulations that Finlay Beverages might adhere to. This shows your commitment to quality and safety.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
During the interview, be ready to provide examples of how you've demonstrated attention to detail in previous roles. Whether it’s through quality checks or maintaining compliance, sharing specific instances will highlight your suitability for the QA Operative position.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with production and QA teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share stories that illustrate your ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive team culture, which is highly valued at Finlay.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the training programme or the company’s approach to continuous improvement. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your eagerness to learn and grow within the company.
