About Us
Leonards Ingredients is a second-generation, family-run business with over 30 years experience at the heart of the UK food industry. Based in Uckfield, East Sussex, we specialise in herb and spice blending, seasonings, and bespoke ingredient solutions for the butchery, food manufacturing, and nutraceutical markets. We hold BRCGS AA certification and take quality seriously — it's central to everything we do.
The Role
We're looking for a QA & Technical Coordinator to take hands-on ownership of quality and technical compliance on site. This is primarily a technical role — you'll be the person who keeps our food safety systems running, supports audits, and makes sure our documentation is always in order.
In food manufacturing, the details matter. A missed record, a skipped check, or a specification that hasn't been read properly can have real consequences. We need someone who genuinely understands that - not because they've been told to, but because they care about getting things right.
You'll work closely with and be supported by our senior management team, who bring deep technical knowledge and will provide guidance, oversight, and mentorship as you develop in the role. Over time, as your confidence and experience grow, the expectation is that you'll take on increasing technical responsibility — with the long-term ambition of stepping into a Technical Manager position.
As a small, close-knit team, you'll also be comfortable picking up the phone and handling straightforward customer technical enquiries when colleagues are out visiting customers. We're looking for someone who sees that as part of being a great team player, not a chore.
What You'll Be Doing
Technical & Quality
- Carrying out day-to-day quality checks and inspections on site
- Maintaining and completing quality records and documentation
- Supporting internal and external audits, including BRCGS
- Monitoring CCPs and ensuring HACCP procedures are followed
- Raising and investigating non-conformances
- Managing customer and supplier specifications
- Supporting product compliance and labelling
- Assisting with continuous improvement activities
Customer & Team Support
- Handling customer technical enquiries confidently and professionally
- Coordinating development samples and customer projects
- Maintaining customer information and CRM records
- Supporting the wider team when colleagues are travelling or unavailable
What We're Looking For
You may currently work in QA, food technical, specifications, technical coordination, or a similar role. We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience in food manufacturing, food ingredients, or a related sector
- Understands HACCP, food safety, and quality systems
- Has knowledge of BRCGS standards — audit experience is a real plus, even in a supporting role
- Is organised and able to manage multiple priorities without dropping the ball
- Communicates confidently with customers and colleagues
- Is happy on the factory floor as well as at a desk
- Has a positive, can-do attitude and enjoys being part of a small team
- You’ll have excellent attention to detail and take genuine pride in completing work to a high standard.
Why Join Leonards Ingredients?
- £30,000 – £35,000 salary depending on experience & qualifications
- Mentorship and oversight from an experienced senior technical team
- A genuine long-term path towards becoming a Technical Manager
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- A varied role with real responsibility from day one
- Direct access to senior management
- Training and development opportunities
- A supportive, friendly team in a specialist, growing business, with monthly team lunches where we enjoy the products we make.
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and a short introduction telling us a little about yourself and why you're interested in joining Leonards Ingredients.
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
