At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to ensure top-notch quality in food production and compliance.
- Company: Family-run, award-winning food manufacturer specialising in premium vanilla products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, onsite parking, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected brand while working hands-on in production.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and knowledge of BRCGS standards required.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm (37.5 hours per week)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Holiday: 28 days per year (including bank holidays)
Vanilla Etc Ltd is a family-run, BRCGS AA-graded food manufacturer, specialising in premium vanilla products for both B2B and B2C markets.
Our range includes: Grade A vanilla pods, vanilla powder, and our award-winning, in-house manufactured vanilla extracts and vanilla bean paste — all sourced directly from Madagascar, the world’s leading producer of vanilla.
Our products are trusted by leading food manufacturers, foodservice businesses, and premium retailers, including Booths Supermarket, Lakeland, and Selfridges, as well as international customers.
Our standards are high because our customers’ standards are high. Every product leaving our site represents our reputation — and the people who work here play a critical role in protecting it.
About the Role
We are looking for a Production & Quality Technician to join our small, growing team. This is a hands-on, technical role that combines:
- Practical production work
- Food safety, quality, and BRCGS compliance responsibility
What You’ll Be Doing
Quality & BRCGS Compliance- Assisting with internal BRCGS audits
- Verifying and signing off quality and food safety records
- Managing environmental swabbing, microbiological and product testing
- Supporting external audits, traceability exercises and customer supplier questionnaires
- Investigating quality issues and implementing corrective actions
- Managing staff training and audit readiness at all times
- Supporting production: filling, labelling, packing and order preparation
- Maintaining exceptionally high hygiene and cleaning standards
- Assisting with picking, packing, and dispatch
- Helping wherever needed in a small, fast-moving operation
This role is physically demanding. You will be:
- On your feet for much of the day
- Lifting and moving heavy materials regularly
- Working in a production environment where stamina and consistency matter
If you are not comfortable with physical work as part of your role, this position will not be suitable.
Training & Onboarding
There is a significant amount of upfront training, particularly around:
- BRCGS systems and compliance
- Internal processes and verification
- Production methods and standards
This requires focus, patience, and resilience. It is not an “easy start” — but it is extremely rewarding for the right person.
Who This Role Is For
This role suits someone who:
- Has hands-on experience in a BRCGS-compliant food manufacturing environment
- Has carried out internal audits and understands compliance evidence
- Enjoys combining production work with technical responsibility
- Takes pride in detail, consistency, and doing things properly
- Is a team player who communicates well and supports others
- Wants responsibility and ownership, not just tasks
- Thrives in a small, family-run business where their work genuinely matters
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience in food production or manufacturing
- Minimum 1 year in a quality / food safety / technical role
- Experience supporting or conducting audits
- Working knowledge of BRCGS standards
- Physically fit, reliable, and hands-on
Desirable Qualifications (or Working Towards)
- HACCP Level 2 or 3
- VACCP/TACCP
- Food Hygiene for Manufacturing – Level 2 or 3
- Equivalent experience will be considered.
Who This Role Is Not For
Please do not apply if:
- You’re looking for a basic warehouse or pick-and-pack role
- You want a purely desk-based QA position
- You are heavily academic and not interested in hands-on production work
- You are not comfortable with physical work
- You do not have experience with food safety or BRCGS environments
Being honest here saves everyone time — including yours.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Company pension scheme
- Onsite parking
- Ongoing training in Food Hygiene, HACCP, and BRCGS compliance
- A supportive, close-knit, family-run working environment
- The chance to play a key role in a respected, award-winning brand
If you’re practical, technically capable, detail-driven, and motivated by quality and standards — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply with your CV and a short cover note explaining why this role suits you.
Production and Quality Technician employer: Vanilla Etc Ltd
Contact Detail:
Vanilla Etc Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production and Quality Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Vanilla Etc Ltd. Understand their products and values. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to food safety and quality compliance. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to hear about your hands-on experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in a production environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since this role is all about collaboration in a small team, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you support your colleagues in achieving high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role or the company culture. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the opportunity. Plus, it helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production and Quality Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience in food production and any relevant BRCGS compliance knowledge. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, explain why you’re the perfect fit for this Production & Quality Technician role. Share specific examples of your experience with quality assurance and food safety — we love a good story that shows your passion!
Show Your Team Spirit: Since we’re a small, family-run business, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to work well in a team. Mention any past experiences where you’ve collaborated with others to achieve a common goal — we value teamwork here at Vanilla Etc Ltd!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanilla Etc Ltd
✨Know Your BRCGS Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of BRCGS standards before the interview. Familiarise yourself with key compliance concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of quality and safety in food manufacturing.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare to talk about your practical experience in food production. Highlight specific tasks you've performed, such as internal audits or managing quality records. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a physically demanding environment, as this role requires stamina and consistency.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
This position is all about being a team player. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in a fast-paced setting. Be ready to discuss how you support your colleagues and contribute to a positive working atmosphere, which is crucial in a family-run business.
✨Prepare Questions About Training and Development
Since there's significant training involved, come prepared with questions about the onboarding process and ongoing development opportunities. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow within the company, which aligns perfectly with their values of responsibility and ownership.