Quality Assurance Technician - Pet Food Manufacturing

The RoleWe are looking for a Quality Assurance Technician to join our technical team in Thirsk North Yorkshire. This is a permanent position offering a competitive salary.48 hours per week between the hours of 6am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 6am to 2pm FridayThe Company IPN is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer, now employing over 400 people across our 3 UK sites. Our family of brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU and a selection of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk and Kinmel produce dry, wet, and baked foods which are enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world.The RoleTo verify that raw material preparation, manufacturing production and product storage/distribution is compliant with food safety, legal and quality standards Key Responsibilities of the Quality Control Technician :Sample, test, audit and monitor to verify that all processes, procedures and products are being manufactured in a safe and compliant mannerConduct verification checks to ensure equipment is suitably calibrated to comply with required standardsComplete all necessary documentation ensuring that it is kept accurate and ready for internal and external audits and highlighting when non-conformance requires corrective actionMaintain ongoing communications with the operations team and other relevant functions ensuring they are fully aware of quality assurance activities, results and trendsCollect all relevant samples, with adherence to procedures and protocols, to ensure quality, safety and legality of products sampledProvide education and training to operational colleagues and other teams to ensure compliance with all relevant food safety and quality standardsEnsure that a safe working environment exists for all colleagues and that as a minimum the department meets the standards set out in the safety, health and environment policySkills, Experience and Qualifications of the Quality Control Technician:GCSE or equivalent standard; numerate and literateBasic Computer literate for standard office practicesHealth and Safety - level TwoFood hygiene - level TwoCCP training including HACCP principles for Manufacturing UnitInternal Audit Process; Understanding and ExperienceAllergen Awareness; Understanding of riskGMP; Knowledge of techniquesNon-conformance reporting techniquesMicrobiological awareness – understanding of basic of food safetyBasic disinfection principlesBasic legal labelling practiceBasic weight legislationBenefits:Location: Thirsk Salary: CompetitiveHours: 48 hours per week - Monday to FridayBonus: 10%Pension: Employee contributions 3% / Employer contribution 8%Holidays: 25 days + Bank HolidaysOther Benefits: Free parking, tasty treats, free electric car charging, bring your dog to work, discounted products & free hot drinks.