At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage inventory and ensure quality control of fine food and drink products.
- Company: Join a values-led business focused on teamwork and high-quality fresh produce.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, and full training provided.
- Other info: Enjoy a day shift with no weekend work and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company with a commitment to sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in stock control and quality assurance in a warehouse environment.
Talent Guardian is recruiting on behalf of a growing consolidator and distributor of fine food, drink and fresh produce, supplying the independent retail and foodservice sectors. Everything they supply is consolidated and distributed from a purpose-built Distribution Centre in Redditch, ensuring it meets their strict quality standards. Due to continued growth, they are looking for a Stock & Quality Controller to join the Supply Chain team.
The role
You will manage the end-to-end inventory process — making sure physical stock matches system records, maintaining food safety compliance, and managing strict date-code rotation to prevent spoilage and waste. It’s a role that balances operational pace with genuinely rigorous quality control.
- Inventory accuracy & auditing
- Conduct regular cycle counts and full stock takes, verifying physical inventory against WMS and technical software.
- Investigate stock variances, misallocations and missing items, tracking movement history to root cause.
- Compile daily and weekly reports on stock integrity, wastage and inventory performance.
- Quality control & compliance
- Monitor best before and use by dates to ensure correct rotation (FEFO) and minimise food waste.
- Maintain accurate batch and stock control to support rapid recalls and quality audits.
- Handle and log damaged, expired or returned goods, managing safe disposal or quarantine.
- Complete daily, weekly and monthly QC checks, plus monthly GMP audits and non-compliance reporting.
- Carry out daily production pre-release quality and label accuracy checks.
- Goods-in & fulfilment
- Manage the goods-in process, checking incoming shipments for temperature, damage and quantity against purchase orders.
- Check received products against specifications to ensure supplier compliance, reporting non-conformance.
- Assign correct storage locations (ambient, chilled, frozen) and oversee labelling and storage conditions.
- Adopt and lead 'Scan to Receive' technology.
- Ensure pick faces and forward staging areas are stocked to support planning and dispatch.
You will report to the Supply Chain Manager and work closely with Procurement, Commercial and Operations.
What you’ll need
- Experience in a similar role within a DC or warehouse environment, with QC/QA food or fresh produce experience — this is essential.
- You must live within a 20-mile radius of Redditch, Worcestershire.
- Over 18 with your own transport.
- Physical fitness to work at pace, with manual handling and use of pallet trucks (manual & PPT).
- Computer literacy for stock management data maintenance.
- High standards of personal and food hygiene, and a 'clean as you go' approach.
- Strong attention to detail, able to work in a team and on your own initiative.
- A current FLT licence would be advantageous.
Hours & benefits
- Full time, 5 days per week (Monday–Friday), no weekend working as standard.
- Day shift covering operating times of 06:30–16:30 (30-minute unpaid break).
- £14.00–£14.50 per hour, depending on experience, plus paid overtime (approved by line manager).
- 28 days holiday (including 8 bank holidays), with incremental loyalty holiday added annually.
- Employee benefits scheme and pension scheme.
- Free on-site secure parking.
- Full training provided, including product knowledge and company procedures.
About the business
A values-led business built on teamwork, quality, honesty and passion committed to delivering high-quality fresh produce, fine food and drink with trusted provenance, fairness through the supply chain, and an honest, sustainable and ethical way of doing business.
Stock & Quality Controller employer: Talent Guardian
Join a well-established and growing business in Bedfordshire as a Warehouse Operative, where you will be part of a supportive and friendly team dedicated to excellence. Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £30,000, an early finish every Friday, and the chance to develop your skills in a stable, full-time permanent role. With a focus on health and safety, and opportunities for personal growth, this is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stock & Quality Controller
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Talent Guardian.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Talent Guardian!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Talent Guardian, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Talent Guardian, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Stock & Quality Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Talent Guardian, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Talent Guardian.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Talent Guardian. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Talent Guardian. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Guardian
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Talent Guardian’s mission.
