Senior Qa Technologist

Senior QA Technologist

Tanfield (Home of Penn State Pretzels)

Company Overview

KP Snacks is proud to be part of the Intersnack Group. With an annual turnover of more than €3 billion, the Intersnack Group has grown and flourished to become a market leader in savoury snacks, present in over 30 countries across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, employing more than 14,000 employees and 44 factories globally (33 in Europe, 3 in Australia, 3 in New Zealand, 2 in India and 3 in Vietnam).

In the UK KP Snacks consists of c2,300 colleagues across our seven factory locations and Slough HQ. We make great tasting snack brands such as Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pombear, KP Nuts, Butterkist popcorn, Tyrrells and popchips.

Salary: Up to £32,000pa depending on experience.

Some of the benefits you can expect to receive:

Bonus scheme

Medicash Health cash plan

Private Healthcare (dependent on Grade)

KP Pension Plan – matching contribution stakeholder pension plan (up to 7% of salary) which also includes life assurance and income protection

25 days holiday

5-year service additional holiday

Annual salary review

MyGym Discounts

Cancer Care

Holiday Buy (buy up to an additional 5 days holiday per year)

Career Break

Cycle to Work

Company Sick Pay – once eligible

Employee Assistance Programme

Digital GP

Best Doctors - 2nd medical opinion

Access to KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools

The Role:

Reporting to the site QA Team Manager, this role will play a key part in delivering technical and quality assurance across the site. You will support the day-to-day management of the quality function, ensuring food safety, quality and hygiene standards are achieved. This will be achieved by continually auditing the site in line with up-to-date Customer Codes of Practice and required certification standards to maintain compliance.

Ensuring that the company’s products are manufactured to standards that meet or exceed all agreed internal or external specifications.

Responsible for developing and maintaining a robust internal auditing programme that continues to meet the requirements set by all the BRC and major retailers.

Support the development of the site technical strategy, to show continuous improvement and added value.

Be customer facing on all technical issues.

Ensure the Integrated Pest Management system is maintained.

Deputy for QA Team Manager and InforMES.

Develop a sustainable quality culture throughout the manufacturing site by supporting the FGM and Leadership Team to continuously improve against standards.

Co-leading third-party and customer audits.

Maintaining the QMS System and Quality Policies.

Management and review of internal audits including GMP, Glass/Plastic, Hygiene etc.

Management of the Hygiene Team and hygiene systems to ensure effective factory cleaning is in place.

Support manufacturing teams to ensure GMP standards are maintained.

Manage complaint handling with line teams, including robust investigations that get to root cause and drive positive change.

Monitoring of laboratory results and sign off, investigating and reporting those out of specification.

Be an active member of the Q Pillar and support the development of master/90 day plans to address losses and build capability.

Become a Work Process Owner for Q Pillar SWP’s.

The Candiate

We aim to foster a diverse family-like culture where everyone can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. The I&D program focuses on Culture, Leadership, Recruitment, and Equitable Progression. We operate an inclusive recruitment process to attract diverse talent and educate hiring managers on bias. Additionally, we run a comprehensive program addressing various diversity topics to promote an inclusive workplace. Join KP Snacks to be a part of a diverse and inclusive team that values individuality and promotes growth.

We wholeheartedly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position. We are totally committed to creating a workplace where not one person feels they do not belong. Please just let us know if there is anything we can do to make the process more easily accessible for you or if you have any special requirements.

Whichever method you are using to apply, please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates the relevant skills we are looking for, with clear evidence to support.

• Degree in food science or equivalent
• Experience in the FMCG manufacturing industry.
• Food manufacturing in particular BRC, UK Retailers.
• Internal Auditing
• Food Hygiene Level 4
• HACCP Level 4
• Graduate in a Technical Discipline
• Quality Assurance qualifications
• Knowledge of BRC and retail audit requirements
• Knowledge of food legislation standards and regulations
• Very forward thinking and process orientated.
• Works relentlessly to ensure corrective action is taken to guarantee success.
• Promotes cross functional team working
• High level of influencing skills and committed to driving change at pace.
• A passion for delivering results and the drive to exceed expectations.
• Strong planning and organisational skills with a sense of priority for deadlines and attention to detail.
• Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience.
• Ability to be flexible to meet business needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Self-motivated and a strong commitment to personal development.
• Effective coaching skills.
• Professional approach and attitude
• Leading a team is essential
• Experience within a Technical team role, with a track record of getting the best out of people.
• Experience managing other Technical roles (desirable)
• Experience working in a technical role is essential.

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