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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food quality and safety standards are met while supporting new product development.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food quality while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a food-related qualification and possess Level 2 Food Hygiene certification.
- Other info: Gain invaluable experience in one of N.I.'s largest employers with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 1500 - 2100 £ per month.
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.
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 KPIs.
- 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.
- Possess Level 2 Food Hygiene 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, Monday to Thursday 7.45am to 3.45pm Friday 7.45am to 2.45pm.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Tuesday 10th February 2026. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: Food Related Degree, Food Hygiene Qualification, Driving License, HACCP, Food Manufacturing, Initiative, Communication
Benefits: Pension Fund, Parking, Staff Discounts
Quality Assurance Assistant Placement Opportunity employer: Henderson Group
Contact Detail:
Henderson Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Assistant Placement Opportunity
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Henderson Group and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to show how you fit right in with their ambition, customer-first approach, teamwork, and integrity.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Quality Assurance Assistant role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to quality assurance and food safety. Think about examples from your studies or previous experiences that showcase your attention to detail and initiative. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨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. Get your application in before the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Assistant Placement Opportunity
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 qualifications, especially those related to food safety and quality management. We want to see how you fit into our team!
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 specific skills that align with our values of Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork, and Integrity.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Quality Assurance Assistant, attention to detail is key. In your application, provide examples of how you've demonstrated this skill in past experiences. We love seeing candidates who take pride in their work!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Henderson Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on food safety regulations and quality assurance principles. Familiarise yourself with Henderson Group's values and how they relate to the role. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your studies or any relevant experience that highlight your strong communication, organisational skills, and attention to detail. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in practical situations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the role and the company. This could be about their approach to quality management or how they support employee development. It shows you're engaged and keen to learn more.
✨Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through during the interview. Henderson Group values integrity and teamwork, so being authentic and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role will resonate well with the interviewers.