About Gills
Gills Meat Products is a well-established, family-owned UK food manufacturer producing fresh and frozen products for retail, foodservice, and wholesale markets. The business operates across multiple functions including factory production, technical compliance, sales, logistics, purchasing, retail, and hospitality.
Operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, Gills places strong emphasis on food safety, product quality, operational efficiency, and customer service. Standards are high, decisions are made quickly, and performance is visible throughout the business.
The Role
We are seeking a Graduate Technical Assistant to join our Technical Department and support the business across all areas of food safety, quality assurance, compliance, and factory standards.
This is a hands-on role suited to a motivated graduate looking to build a career within the food manufacturing industry. You will gain broad exposure to technical operations within a busy sausage manufacturing environment and work closely with senior management, production teams, and external auditors.
The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of tasks, maintain high standards, and contribute positively to continuous improvement across the factory.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Quality Support
- Supporting with day-to-day technical and compliance activities
- Assisting with factory quality checks, inspections, hygiene audits, and internal monitoring
- Supporting food safety systems including HACCP, traceability, allergen controls, and documentation management
- Monitoring production standards and escalating non-conformances where required
- Assisting with customer specifications, technical paperwork, and compliance records
- Supporting preparation for customer, BRC, and regulatory audits
Factory & Operational Involvement
- Working closely with production teams to maintain food safety and quality standards on site
- Assisting with investigations into quality issues, customer complaints, and corrective actions
- Supporting implementation of process improvements and technical controls
- Participating in factory inspections and ensuring standards are maintained across all departments
Administration & Reporting
- Completing technical reports, records, and compliance documentation accurately
- Monitoring technical KPIs and assisting with data analysis and trend reporting
- Maintaining organised and up-to-date technical files and systems
- Supporting communication between technical, production, and management teams
What We Are Looking For
- Degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Microbiology, or a related discipline required
- Strong attention to detail and high standards of accuracy
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong competency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
- Proactive attitude with willingness to learn and develop within the food manufacturing industry
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Practical, adaptable, and comfortable working in both office and factory environments
- Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and professionalism
Development & Benefits
- Comprehensive training across technical, production, and operational areas of the business
- Direct exposure to senior leadership and factory operations
- Opportunity to develop within a growing UK food manufacturing business
- Support towards relevant industry qualifications and professional development
- Clear progression opportunities within Technical and Operations functions
- Experience operating within a fast-paced, multi-department manufacturing environment
Requirements
- Full UK driving licence and own vehicle (on-site role)
- Immediate right to work in the UK is essential (no visa sponsorship)
Selection Process
Candidates will be required to complete a Thomas International behavioural assessment as part of our selection process, followed by an on-site interview.
Job Type:
Full-time, Permanent, Graduate
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
Bilston (WV14): reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
A-Level or equivalent (required)
Language:
English (required)
Licence/Certification:
Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location:
In person
Pay: £25,000.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bilston, West Midlands: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have a degree in chemistry?
Education:
Language:
Work Location: In person
