About Us:
Established in 2000, Extons Foods are now one of the UKs largest independent cheese processing companies supplying sliced, grated, block and continental cheese to wholesalers, retailers, and sandwich manufacturers. We have continually grown and we’re not slowing down! A Family Run business with a friendly hands-on approach.
Role Description:
We are looking for a conscientious and detail-focused QA Auditor to join our team. In this role, you'll be at the heart of ensuring that every product leaving our factory meets the highest standards of food safety, quality, and customer expectations. Working closely with production teams, you'll carry out routine quality checks on the line and play a key part in maintaining our robust food safety culture.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a keen eye for detail and a genuine interest in food safety and quality, whether you're building on existing QA experience or bringing strong attention to detail from another environment and are eager to develop a career in food manufacturing quality assurance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Carry out routine quality checks throughout the production and packing processes, inclusive of MAP, lead detector and seal integrity checks.
- Ensure products meet internal quality standards, customer specifications, and legal requirements
- Monitor CCPS and other quality checkpoints in line with HACCP requirements
- Identify and report non-conformances, promptly escalating issues when necessary
- Support corrective and preventative action processes when quality issues arise
- Work with production teams to communicate quality standards and resolve concerns quickly
- Conduct scheduled internal audits, including GMP audits, hygiene audits, and site standard checks
- Assess compliance with food safety and quality management systems across the factory
- Ensure all quality records are completed accurately and in line with company requirements
- Accurately document audit findings and support the development of corrective action plans
- Follow up on previous audit actions to verify effective close-out
- Support preparation for external audits (e.g., BRCGS, customer, or regulatory audits) as required
- Maintain accurate, organised quality records in line with company procedures
- Support the QA team with traceability checks, allergen management, and shelf-life monitoring
- Assist with investigating customer complaints and identifying root causes
- Promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the site
- Monitor hygiene standards across the site and escalate issues where required
- Support microbiological sampling and product testing requirements
- Work closely with other departments to ensure quality expectations are understood and achieved
- Support improvement initiatives by identifying recurring issues and opportunities to enhance standards
- Assist with updating procedures and documentation where required
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate must have:
- Previous experience in a QA or food safety role within food manufacturing (dairy experience advantageous).
- Good understanding of food safety standards such as HACCP, GMP, and BRC.
- Excellent attention to detail with a methodical, thorough approach to checks and documentation
- Strong observational skills and the confidence to identify and challenge non-conformances
- Clear communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally across all levels of the business, from production operatives to senior management
- Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple checks and priorities within a fast-paced production environment
- Sound numeracy and record-keeping skills
- Basic computer literacy, including comfort using quality management systems and Microsoft Office
- Experience with audits, non-conformance reporting and corrective actions
- Knowledge of allergen controls, traceability, and retailer standards
Preferred qualifications:
Personal Attributes:
- A genuine passion for food safety and quality, with pride in delivering great products to customers
- A proactive, hands-on approach and willingness to be present on the production floor
- Resilience and adaptability, remaining calm and professional under pressure
- Strong teamworking skills combined with the confidence to work independently when needed
- A continuous improvement mindset, always looking for ways to strengthen quality standards and processes
Working Hours:
- Monday to Friday 10pm - 6am
- Site based
Benefits:
- Free parking, within proximity to all major travel networks
- 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holiday, increasing with service
- An extra day off for your birthday!
- Health cash plan (Medicash), after 3 months
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Company pension scheme – employer 4% and employee 5%
- Company paid events throughout the year
- FREE pack of cheese every week plus a discounted staff cheese shop
- Doughnut Fridays
- Free fruit on a Tuesday
Learn more about Extons Foods at https://www.extonsfoods.com/
