At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct audits to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards across various departments.
- Company: Join John Thompson & Sons, a top company in Northern Ireland with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced holiday entitlement, and health benefits.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality compliance in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; Lead Auditor training is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: John Thompson & Sons
Reporting to: Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager
Job Purpose: To ensure Quality and Standard Operational Procedures remain up to date and fit for purpose via compliance auditing and review. This will span various departments and involve processes and protocols within Production, Procurement, Logistics, Health & Safety, Finance, Customer Services and Technical Departments. Also to support a high level of quality compliance, food safety and hygiene across the site. The role will answer directly to the Compliance & Hygiene Manager and have no people reporting to it.
Key Accountabilities:
- Conduct audits of processes and procedures to assess compliance with Quality Assurance and HACCP plans.
- Audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the business to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistent adherence by staff.
- Provide independent assurance that SOPs and Operational Procedures (OPs) accurately reflect current practices, meet regulatory and internal standards, and support food safety and workplace safety requirements.
- Collaborate with SOP and OP owners to implement updates or corrective actions arising from audit findings.
- Observe operational activities to verify staff compliance with SOPs, identifying deviations, risks, and instances of non-compliance.
- Review and compare SOPs against operational practices to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or outdated processes.
- Produce clear, structured audit reports with actionable recommendations.
- Use Q Pulse to manage audit schedules, record non-conformances, document observations, and monitor corrective and preventive actions.
- Develop a strong understanding of the SOP lifecycle, including creation, approval, review, and reporting processes.
- Participate in the company’s 6S programme to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Monitor and maintain biosecurity practices and mill hygiene standards.
- Support external audits by demonstrating compliance with legislative, retailer, trade body, organic, and customer requirements.
- Contribute to the review and maintenance of HACCP processes and documentation.
- Assist with the management and oversight of the Pest Control programme.
Person Specification:
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.
- Formal Lead Auditor training (e.g., CQI & IRCA certification) is essential or highly desirable.
- Experience working with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) documentation and records.
- A minimum of three years experience in a comparable compliance, auditing, or quality-focused role.
- Demonstrated experience conducting supplier quality audits in line with ISO 9001 standards.
- Proven background in internal auditing, compliance, quality management, or risk management.
- Strong knowledge of feed safety, HACCP principles, quality systems, SOPs, risk assessments, and health & safety compliance.
- Ability to objectively observe operational practices, assess adherence to procedures, and challenge non-compliance constructively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all departments.
- Experience using Q Pulse (or similar quality management systems) and familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) is advantageous.
Perks of Thompsons:
- The Opportunity to work for a company within the Top 10 Companies in Northern Ireland.
- Competitive Salary
- Above Statutory Holiday Entitlement
- Death in Service Benefit x 4
- Cycle To Work Scheme
- Free Secure Onsite Parking
- Enhanced ERs Pension @ 6%
- Vouchers @ Christmas
- Long Service Awards
- Competitive Shift Premiums
- Company Uniform
- Training and Career Development Opportunities
- Job Security 150+ yrs in business
- Company Sick Pay
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Enhanced Paternity Pay
- Enhanced Health Care Scheme (includes partner and children)
- Annual Flu Vaccination
- Paid Compassionate leave
- Paid time off for medical appointments
- 24/7 EAP, Counselling & Advice service
- Discount Voucher Scheme
- Summer BBQ
- Free Breakfasts
- Team Bonding Events
- Lunch & Learns
To apply, please click on the APPLY button below to forward an up to date CV.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Compliance Auditor
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like John Thompsons & Sons looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Compliance Auditor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at John Thompsons & Sons. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Thompsons & Sons
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with John Thompsons & Sons’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
