Quality Assurance Technician - Food Manufacturing in Harrogate

Location: Harrogate , Yorkshire & the Humber

• Opportunity to develop within a quality-led manufacturing environment.
• Suitable for candidates with relevant QA or microbiology experience, or graduates with a related science degree.

Quality Assurance Technician - Food Manufacturing

We’re searching for a Quality Assurance (QA) Technician to join the Quality & Technical team of a global FMCG manufacturer in Harrogate.

This opportunity is open to experienced quality or laboratory professionals and science graduates beginning their careers. You’ll gain practical experience across microbiological testing, food safety, quality assurance and manufacturing while developing your knowledge within a supportive technical team.

The Role

Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will carry out a variety of quality assurance tasks across the site, supporting the day-to-day running of the micro lab facility and helping to maintain the company’s Food Safety and Quality Systems. You will work closely with colleagues across Quality, Production and Operations, ensuring high standards of product quality, hygiene, documentation and compliance are consistently maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Quality Manager in maintaining Food Safety and Quality Systems.
• Conduct hygiene surveys of plant and personnel in line with agreed schedules.
• Carry out microbiological testing, including sampling and plating of plant-based samples and finished product.
• Complete regular Quality Assurance line audits, reviewing product quality, packaging and correct version control.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic quality records, including sample results and investigation findings.
• Support complaint investigations and document outcomes within Safefood 360.
• Maintain a clean, organised micro lab environment and ensure good stock rotation of consumables.
• Carry out equipment calibrations, stock checks, ordering and receipt of consumables.
• Participate in internal and external audits, including micro lab accreditation and food safety standards.
• Dipping boreholes and collect technical data as required.
• Work collaboratively with Operations and Production teams to identify risks, solve problems and support continuous improvement.

The Candidate

You’ll be naturally curious, methodical and comfortable balancing laboratory work with time on the production floor. Whether you already work in quality, technical, microbiology or food manufacturing, or you’re a recent science graduate, you’ll bring strong attention to detail, the confidence to raise concerns and a genuine interest in how robust quality systems protect products and consumers. Most importantly, you’ll be keen to learn, collaborate across departments and contribute to continuous improvement.

Key Skills:

• A degree in natural sciences, biological sciences, food science, microbiology or a related discipline.
• Experience within Quality Assurance, microbiology, food manufacturing or a laboratory-based environment is desirable.
• Awareness of HACCP, food safety or quality assurance principles would be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence liaising with colleagues across different departments.
• Organised, proactive and able to prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment.
• IT literate, with the ability to use Microsoft Office and internal systems.
• A safety-first mindset and commitment to working with integrity.
• A flexible approach to working hours and shift patterns.
• A driving licence and access to own transport would be advantageous due to occasional off-site borehole visits.

Our Client

Our client is a quality-led manufacturing business operating within a regulated food safety environment. This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys working across departments, supporting production-focused quality standards and contributing to the ongoing development of robust food safety and quality systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in Quality Assurance, microbiology, food safety or laboratory-based testing; however, we are also happy to consider a graduate with a relevant science-based degree and a genuine interest in building a career within food manufacturing quality.

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