QA Technician in Sittingbourne

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.

We are more than 11,000 employees in 87 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.4 billion euros. Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future. This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

To strengthen our team in Puratos Fourayes, the UK’s number one processor and grower of fruit, we are looking for a Quality Assurance Technician.

Your Mission

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the successful candidate will help ensure our products consistently meet customer and regulatory expectations. They will work alongside operations, hygiene, engineering and other internal teams, to support daily quality checks, identify issues, and help drive a proactive quality culture across the business. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on work, problem solving, and being at the heart of a fast-moving food manufacturing environment.

What you will do

• Carry out routine quality assurance checks including sampling, swabbing, allergen tests, water sampling and raw material checks
• Complete product assessments (pH, viscosity, TSS, organoleptic testing, etc.)
• Maintain and manage the calibration and verification of site testing equipment
• Complete positive release processes and issue Certificates of Analysis/Conformity
• Conduct internal GMP and CCP audits
• Support incoming fruit testing and maintain technical databases
• Lead on non-conformance investigations with production, warehouse and operations teams
• Assist with customer complaints, external audits and technical queries
• Support training activities (e.g., hygiene, handwashing, CCP requirements)
• Ensure all checks and documentation are completed accurately and in line with company procedures
• Help to drive continuous improvement in food safety and quality standards
• Support the technical manager and team as required

What we expect from you

• Experience in a food quality or technical role
• Level 2/3 HACCP & Food Hygiene
• Confident, proactive, with strong communication skills
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams)
• Ability to stay calm and professional under pressure
• High attention to detail
• Experience of SAP software would be beneficial, though not essential.

What you can expect from Puratos

• £28.5k – 30k per annum.
• Core hours will be 40 hours per week. The team shares shifts to ensure the factory is staffed between 06:00 – 22:00.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• Access to 1000s of courses on LinkedIn learning.
• Comprehensive training and support, with 5 training days planned for every worker in 2026.
• Employee benefits platform.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• A positive and inclusive work environment.

We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respectful work environment by putting people first.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.