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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food quality meets standards and support new product development.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, healthcare, discounts, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a food-related qualification and possess a UK driving licence.
- Other info: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, commercial setting.
The predicted salary is between 1600 - 2000 £ per month.
Quality Assurance Assistant – Placement Opportunity
Attractive Salary & Benefits
36.5 Hour week (Hybrid)
Newtownabbey
12-month Higher Education Placement commencing May/June 2024
Who are we?
Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,700 colleagues and have been placed 3rd in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2025. We’re proud to be an Investors in People accredited employer, and our culture is lived out through our four core values- Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity.
A look into the role
Our Quality Assurance Assistant placement opportunity is designed to work in partnership with relevant stakeholders ensuring fresh food products and suppliers meet Henderson Group specifications in relation to food safety, legality, quality, freshness and sustainability. This is an invaluable role in the continued development of the Group’s total quality management agenda with specific focus on fresh food. This position will allow the successful candidate to maintain a quality management system that focuses on delivering customer satisfaction and continuous business improvement, developing their skills within a thriving fresh food department. This is an ideal placement for an enthusiastic and proactive individual seeking a fast-paced, commercial environment in one of N.I.’s largest and most varied employers.
As Quality Assurance Assistant you will:
- Ensure required specifications from own brand supply are met, and receive standards from all suppliers.
- Develop & manage quality conformance targets and communication of KPI metrics to supply base.
- Analyse and challenge supplier performance against KPI’s.
- Maintain a record of supplier non-conformances and corrective actions and ensuring these are sufficiently investigated to prevent re-occurrence.
- Support New Product Development processes with specification design and supplier conformance targets and liaise with retail and wholesale customers on fresh food quality issues.
Skills for Success
Joining us as Quality Assurance Assistant the minimum criteria you’ll need is:
- Working towards Third level food related qualification.
- Full UK Driving License.
The attributes you’ll need include:
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to use initiative.
- Excellent attention to detail.
It is Desirable if you had:
- Possession of allergen training.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene.
- Level 3 HACCP.
- Level 2 Internal Audit.
- Experience working within the food manufacturing industry.
Our Values
- Ambition– We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
- Customer First– We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
- Teamwork– We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
- Integrity– We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward
Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people. Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Perks Offers/Discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group.
The successful applicant will be working 36.5 hours per week, 8:45am – 4:45pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Tuesday 10th February 2026.
Hightown Avenue Mallusk, Newtownabbey BT36 4RT +44 (0)28 9034 2733 human.resources@henderson-group.com
Quality Assurance Assistant (Placement) - Category Development & Quality in Newtownabbey employer: Henderson Group
Contact Detail:
Henderson Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Assistant (Placement) - Category Development & Quality in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those connected to Henderson Group. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Quality Assurance Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Henderson Group’s values and their approach to quality assurance. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on common questions related to quality assurance and food safety. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Henderson Group. Let’s get you that placement!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Assistant (Placement) - Category Development & Quality in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Assurance Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, especially those related to food safety and quality management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your values align with Henderson Group's core values like Ambition and Teamwork.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your strong communication and organisational skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences, especially in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and stands out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Quality Assurance Assistant and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with food safety standards, quality management systems, and any relevant KPIs. This will show your enthusiasm and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your strong communication and organisational skills during the interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've used these skills effectively, especially in a team setting. This aligns perfectly with Henderson Group's values of teamwork and customer first.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the company culture, their approach to quality assurance, and how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. Henderson Group values integrity and ambition, so be honest about your experiences and aspirations. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
